Description
Penne Rosa is a creamy, comforting pasta dish featuring penne pasta tossed in a rich sauce made from marinara, heavy cream, garlic, mushrooms, and fresh spinach. Enhanced with Parmesan cheese and a hint of red pepper flakes, this quick and easy stovetop recipe makes a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Chopped basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms are softened and lightly browned.
- Wilt Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream, then add the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to combine the flavors.
- Finish the Sauce: Add the butter and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce turns creamy and smooth.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Serve: Plate the pasta while warm, topping with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped basil if desired.
Notes
- For added protein, stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.
- To lighten the dish, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Adjust spice level by increasing or reducing the amount of red pepper flakes used.
