Description
Penne Rosa is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that combines tender penne with a rich rosé sauce made from marinara and cream or Greek yogurt. Loaded with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach, this vegetarian recipe offers a perfect balance of spice and freshness, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
- Salt, for pasta water
Sauce and Vegetables
- 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 Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the sliced mushrooms, zucchini, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender and start to soften.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Prepare Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream or Greek yogurt. Stir well to combine and gently heat through without boiling.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy rosé sauce.
- Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, mixing well.
- Serve: Plate the pasta hot, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with plain Greek yogurt to reduce fat without compromising creaminess.
- To add protein, incorporate grilled chicken or shrimp during the vegetable cooking step.
- Use gluten-free penne pasta for a gluten-free variation.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
