Whole Wheat Penne with Spinach and Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce

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

Whole wheat penne pasta tossed in a vibrant sauce of roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach, delivering a wholesome and flavorful vegetarian Italian meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs whole wheat penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 2 cups cherry tomatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until tomatoes burst and caramelize.
  2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz whole wheat penne and cook for 9-11 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain pasta.
  3. Step 3: While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 cups baby spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Add roasted cherry tomatoes and their juices to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer for 2 minutes. Add drained pasta and toss with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Add reserved pasta water 2 tbsp at a time to loosen sauce as needed.
  6. Step 6: Season with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and more black pepper to taste. Serve topped with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Whole Wheat Penne with Spinach and Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Whole Wheat Penne with Spinach and Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce?

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 whole wheat penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Whole Wheat Penne with Spinach and Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce?

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 Whole Wheat Penne with Spinach and Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce 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 Whole Wheat Penne with Spinach and Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce 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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