Description
Indulge in the ultimate pasta experience with Penne Rosa – a creamy, spicy, and vegetarian pasta dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. This flavorful dish combines penne pasta with a medley of vegetables in a luscious marinara and cream sauce, topped with Parmesan and fresh basil.
Ingredients
Scale
Penne Rosa:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 medium zucchini (halved and sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta: Boil the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In a skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil.
- Cook vegetables: Add mushrooms, zucchini, and bell pepper; cook until tender. Add spinach and wilt.
- Combine sauce: Add marinara sauce and cream or yogurt. Heat through.
- Toss with pasta: Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir in Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with more Parmesan and basil, if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of cream.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Gluten-free penne can be substituted for a gluten-free option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
