Description
Penne Rosa is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring penne tossed in a rich, slightly spicy tomato and cream sauce with fresh vegetables. This vegetarian meal combines mushrooms, zucchini, grape tomatoes, and baby spinach, all coated in a luscious blend of marinara sauce and heavy cream or Greek yogurt. Garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, it’s an easy, satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or any pasta lover craving a comforting, vibrant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish
Wet Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt (for a lighter option)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the sliced mushrooms and zucchini to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in the halved grape tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they soften slightly.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook just until wilted, stirring to combine with other vegetables.
- Combine Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream (or Greek yogurt). Stir well to combine all the ingredients creating a creamy sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together so the pasta is evenly coated with the rosa sauce.
- Season and Finish: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and gently stir to blend the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh basil, and serve immediately for a delicious and comforting pasta meal.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute dairy with plant-based cream and omit Parmesan or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative.
- You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein and heartiness.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter, tangier sauce.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to your preference.
