Penne Rosa with Spinach and Parmesan

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting Italian-inspired pasta featuring penne tossed in a creamy tomato-cream sauce with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. This Italian-inspired noodle recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs penne pasta, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes and simmer over medium-low heat for 8 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 2 more minutes until the sauce is creamy.
  5. Step 5: Add 4 cups fresh baby spinach to the sauce, stirring until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Toss the cooked penne into the sauce, then stir in 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Penne Rosa with Spinach and Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Penne Rosa with Spinach and Parmesan?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Penne Rosa with Spinach and Parmesan?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Penne Rosa with Spinach and Parmesan for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Penne Rosa with Spinach and Parmesan vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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