Creamy Penne Rosa is a dreamy, flavor-packed pasta dish that combines tender penne noodles with a luscious tomato-cream sauce, sautéed vegetables, and a touch of heat—all crowned with a sprinkle of fresh basil. It’s the kind of comforting meal that comes together amazingly fast but never fails to impress, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back dinner with friends. If you’re craving a dinner that strikes the perfect balance between creamy, tangy, and savory, this Creamy Penne Rosa will absolutely become your new obsession!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Creamy Penne Rosa is how simple the ingredient list is—each one plays a special role in building bold flavors, silky textures, and a gorgeous color that’s hard to resist. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it’s essential for the perfect bowl of pasta.
- Penne pasta (12 ounces): Its tubular shape hugs the creamy sauce, giving you the best bite every time.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics for even deeper flavor.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Brings a savory, aromatic kick that lifts the whole sauce.
- Small onion, finely chopped (1): Provides a mellow sweetness and the perfect base for the sauce.
- Sliced mushrooms (1 cup): Add earthy depth and a satisfying meaty texture.
- Diced tomatoes, canned (14 ounces): Give the sauce juicy tang and vibrant color.
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For a gentle background heat—totally adjustable to your spice preference!
- Marinara sauce (1 cup): Gives the sauce a rich tomato backbone and classic Italian flavor.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Delivers that signature velvety texture and rich taste.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups): Wilts just right into the sauce, adding a pop of color and subtle earthiness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Melts in for a nutty, salty finish that ties everything together.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors into perfect balance.
- Fresh basil for garnish: Adds freshness and a fragrant pop right before serving.
How to Make Creamy Penne Rosa
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil—this ensures your penne is flavorful right from the start. Cook the noodles to al dente according to the package directions, then be sure to scoop out half a cup of that starchy cooking water before draining. Trust me, you’ll want it for the silkiest Creamy Penne Rosa sauce later!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
While your pasta cooks, get your largest skillet heating with olive oil over medium. Toss in the minced garlic and finely chopped onion, sautéing for two to three minutes. They’ll smell incredible as they soften, laying down a savory foundation every Creamy Penne Rosa needs.
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms
Add the mushrooms to your aromatics and continue cooking for four to five minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for them to get golden around the edges and develop deep, meaty flavor—this step really elevates your Creamy Penne Rosa beyond just a simple pasta.
Step 4: Build the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes (juices and all), sprinkle in red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat, and add that cup of marinara. Stir everything together and let it simmer for five minutes to meld all the flavors; your kitchen will start smelling like a cozy trattoria!
Step 5: Make it Creamy
This is where Creamy Penne Rosa gets its name! Stir in the heavy cream, and watch the sauce turn gloriously pink and extra velvety. Add the spinach and cook just until it wilts into the sauce, keeping its vibrant green hue.
Step 6: Finish and Toss
Add your drained penne, half a cup of grated Parmesan, and just enough reserved pasta water to reach your ideal sauce consistency—creamy but not soupy. Toss everything together, letting the cheese melt and the flavors come together. Hit it with salt and pepper to taste, then you’re ready for the final flourish!
How to Serve Creamy Penne Rosa
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you get to add that restaurant-style flair to your Creamy Penne Rosa. Sprinkle extra Parmesan, scatter lots of torn fresh basil leaves, or go wild with a few cracks of black pepper. A drizzle of good olive oil on top never hurts, and makes the dish look as luxurious as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Creamy Penne Rosa is wonderful all on its own, but it loves a bit of company! Try serving it with warm, crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad tossed with a bright vinaigrette. If you want a heartier table, roasted vegetables or lemony grilled shrimp make excellent additions.
Creative Ways to Present
To elevate your Creamy Penne Rosa for special occasions, serve it in shallow pasta bowls with big shavings of Parmesan and microgreens or edible flowers for a pop of color. You can even divide the pasta among ramekins, sprinkle with a touch more cheese, and broil briefly for individual gratin-style servings everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Creamy Penne Rosa (lucky you!), transfer it to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors mellow and meld even more, making leftovers a crave-worthy lunch you’ll actually look forward to.
Freezing
While Creamy Penne Rosa can technically be frozen, the sauce texture might change slightly due to the cream. If you do freeze it, pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container and use within two months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, pop Creamy Penne Rosa in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce needs loosening. Stir gently until warmed through—it’ll taste nearly as good as freshly made! Microwave reheating works too; just be sure to cover and stir halfway to keep things creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne really holds the sauce perfectly, you can try other shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or even rotini. The creamy, rosy sauce hugs any pasta that offers good nooks and crannies.
How can I make this dish lighter?
For a lighter version of Creamy Penne Rosa, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, and use a bit less Parmesan. You’ll still get plenty of flavor, just a little less richness.
What proteins pair well with Creamy Penne Rosa?
Grilled chicken or shrimp are classic choices to add some protein punch. For a vegetarian protein boost, stir in sautéed tofu or a scoop of white beans right at the end.
How spicy is the finished dish?
It’s as spicy as you like—it depends on whether you use the red pepper flakes and how much you add. The cream helps to mellow any heat, so feel free to adjust for your personal preference.
Can I make Creamy Penne Rosa ahead for a party?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat with a splash of cream or pasta water just before serving. It’s a fantastic make-ahead crowd-pleaser.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that feels both indulgent and effortless, Creamy Penne Rosa checks all the boxes. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a repeat favorite around your table. Happy cooking!
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Creamy Penne Rosa Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this delightful Creamy Penne Rosa dish. A perfect blend of pasta, veggies, and a rich sauce that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
Penne Pasta:
12 ounces
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon
Garlic:
3 cloves, minced
Onion:
1 small, finely chopped
Mushrooms:
1 cup, sliced
Diced Tomatoes:
1 can (14 ounces)
Red Pepper Flakes:
½ teaspoon (optional)
Marinara Sauce:
1 cup
Heavy Cream:
1 cup
Spinach:
2 cups, fresh
Parmesan Cheese:
½ cup, grated
Salt:
to taste
Black Pepper:
to taste
Fresh Basil:
for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Penne: Boil salted water, cook penne until al dente. Reserve pasta water.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, sauté garlic and onion until softened. Add mushrooms and cook until browned.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and marinara sauce. Simmer, then add cream. Wilt spinach.
- Finish Dish: Mix in penne, Parmesan, and pasta water. Season and garnish with basil.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Enhance with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 2 cups
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 64 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
