If you’re ready to fall in love with a deeply comforting, quick but exciting pasta dish, Creamy Penne Rosa is about to become your new obsession. This colorful medley marries perfectly cooked penne with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and baby spinach, all tossed in a luscious, slightly spicy tomato cream sauce. Every bite is rich, velvety, and full of bold, fresh flavors. It’s a weeknight hero with weekend-worthy vibes, equally perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing friends with your pasta prowess.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Creamy Penne Rosa couldn’t be simpler, and each one brings something special to the table—from bold flavor to creamy texture and vibrant color. This dish shines brightest when you use the freshest veggies and real Parmesan cheese, but the pantry staples do a lot of the heavy lifting.
- Penne pasta: Choose penne for the ultimate sauce-capturing shape—its tubes fill up with creamy goodness in every bite.
- Olive oil: A splash is all you need to sauté the aromatics and veggies while adding a subtle fruity note to the whole dish.
- Garlic: Three cloves, minced; for that signature pasta aroma and zippy flavor that makes everything feel truly Italian.
- Yellow onion: Diced small so it melts into the sauce, offering sweetness and depth.
- Mushrooms: Sliced and hearty, they soak up the sauce beautifully while adding an earthy undertone.
- Zucchini: Half-moon slices blend silky texture with a pop of color, making every forkful feel substantial yet fresh.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: A modest amount goes a long way here, giving the dish its signature gentle kick—adjust to taste.
- Marinara sauce: Go for a quality jarred sauce (or homemade!), as this creates the backbone of flavor for your Creamy Penne Rosa.
- Heavy cream: Responsible for that dreamy, rich mouthfeel—swap for coconut cream if you’re keeping it dairy free.
- Baby spinach: Tossed in just before serving, it wilts to tender perfection and offers beautiful, minerally notes.
- Parmesan cheese: Real grated Parm adds complexity and brings the sauce together in the creamiest way.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for dialing in both flavor and seasoning—don’t be shy!
- Fresh basil: Chopped and scattered on top for an aromatic, restaurant-style finish (optional, but highly recommended).
How to Make Creamy Penne Rosa
Step 1: Cook the Penne
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your penne just until al dente following your package instructions—it’s important not to overcook so you get that ideal toothsome bite. Once done, drain and set aside; this will help you get your sauce ready without the pasta getting mushy.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Set a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring often. You’re looking for the onion to turn soft and translucent, which will infuse your oil and set a super-flavorful base for the Creamy Penne Rosa.
Step 3: Cook the Veggies and Spice
Add your sliced mushrooms, zucchini, and that punchy touch of crushed red pepper flakes right to the pan. Give everything a good toss and let it cook for another 5 to 7 minutes. The goal here is to soften the veggies and bring out their natural sweetness, while the kitchen fills with the most inviting aroma.
Step 4: Simmer and Creamify the Sauce
Pour in your marinara sauce and bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer. This is where all the flavors meld together. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, watching the sauce turn a dreamy shade of rosy pink—the hallmark of Creamy Penne Rosa! Let it simmer slightly so it thickens, but don’t let it boil.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach
Add all that fresh baby spinach. It may look like a lot, but it will quickly wilt and blend right into the sauce. Stir gently until it’s soft and wonderfully green—about two minutes should do the trick.
Step 6: Combine Pasta, Cheese, and Toss
Add the drained penne into your skillet, tossing thoroughly until every piece is coated in those rosy, creamy flavors. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir it through until it melts in and thickens the sauce. Now’s the time to taste and adjust with salt and black pepper.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Dish up your Creamy Penne Rosa while it’s at its creamiest. If you like, add a flourish of chopped fresh basil for brightness. Serve hot and enjoy the applause from anyone lucky enough to grab a bowl!
How to Serve Creamy Penne Rosa
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan brings lovely savoriness, but don’t underestimate the pop of flavor and color you get from a handful of chopped fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley. For spicy fans, an extra pinch of red pepper flakes is a bonus. A drizzle of good olive oil over the top just before serving can take Creamy Penne Rosa into restaurant-worthy territory.
Side Dishes
Round out the meal with something simple and fresh: think a lemony arugula salad, warm garlic bread, or roasted asparagus. These sides offer contrast with the creamy, robust sauce, making the whole dinner feel complete without competing for attention.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Creamy Penne Rosa family-style in a big, shallow platter, letting the colors speak for themselves. For a fancier dinner, plate a swirl of pasta in wide bowls, top with a cloud of Parmesan, and add precisely placed basil leaves. Or, turn leftovers into a baked pasta—add mozzarella, broil until bubbly, and slice into hearty wedges.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Creamy Penne Rosa keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the flavors get even better as they meld. Just be sure to keep it well-sealed so the pasta doesn’t dry out.
Freezing
You can freeze Creamy Penne Rosa, but keep in mind that creamy sauces sometimes separate after thawing. For best results, freeze in single portions and thaw gently in the fridge overnight before reheating. If you plan ahead, consider leaving out the fresh basil until after reheating for optimal flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water, broth, or extra cream to the pasta and warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring often. This helps restore that creamy texture. The microwave works too, but be sure to cover and stir halfway through for even heating and maximum silkiness.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Penne Rosa dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or your favorite plant-based alternative, and use a vegan Parmesan-style cheese. The result is still rich and delicious, perfect for anyone avoiding dairy.
Is there a way to add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed tofu right after combining the pasta and sauce. It’s a fantastic way to make Creamy Penne Rosa even heartier or to use up any leftovers you have on hand.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Of course! Penne is classic because it holds the sauce so well, but rigatoni, rotini, or even bow ties also work beautifully. Just adjust cook time as needed to ensure the pasta is al dente.
How spicy is Creamy Penne Rosa?
It has a gentle heat from the crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer things milder, simply use less pepper, or for a bigger kick, add more! You can always tweak the spice level to suit your crowd.
What’s the secret to an ultra-creamy sauce?
Using good-quality heavy cream and real Parmesan makes a big difference, but the true secret is adding the cheese off the heat and stirring it until just melted. This prevents the sauce from breaking and keeps it luxuriously smooth.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving easy elegance and comfort all in one pot, make Creamy Penne Rosa your next dinner adventure. With bold flavors and beautiful colors, it’s destined to become a household favorite—so go ahead, gather your ingredients and give this creamy pasta masterpiece a try!
Print
Creamy Penne Rosa Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Penne Rosa is a delicious and comforting pasta dish that combines penne with a creamy marinara sauce, fresh vegetables, and Parmesan cheese. This vegetarian recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 8 oz mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 medium zucchini (sliced into half-moons)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
Penne Rosa:
Instructions
- Cook the Penne Pasta: Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sauté until onion is translucent. Add mushrooms, zucchini, and red pepper flakes, cook until tender.
- Add Sauce and Cream: Stir in marinara sauce, simmer. Reduce heat, add heavy cream, mix. Add spinach, cook until wilted. Toss in cooked penne.
- Finish and Serve: Add Parmesan, stir until creamy. Season with salt, pepper. Serve hot, garnished with basil.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- For added protein, stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
