This pasta can be served alone or paired with homemade focaccia bread or garlic knots.
There is absolutely nothing that beats a generous bowl of warm pasta drenched in a rich tomato sauce. It’s simply mouthwatering! But hold on a second, this isn’t just any pasta dish – it’s Penne Rosa! Whether it’s a quick family dinner, a casual get-together, or unexpected guests, this easy pasta dish will surprise everyone. This hearty and fulfilling meal is a beloved staple in my family, and it’s effortlessly prepared even on hectic weeknights.
What is Penne Rosa
The name “penne” is derived from the Italian word for “pen,” referring to its resemblance to the shape of a quill pen. This versatile pasta is a staple in Italian cuisine and is commonly used in various dishes, from creamy pasta bakes to hearty pasta salads. Likewise, the name “rosa” is also derived from the Italian word “rosa,” which translates to pink or rosy. This dish features a light red cream sauce created from a delightful combination of marinara sauce and heavy whipping cream. Penne pasta is cooked to perfection with a firm, yet tender texture, which is later sautéed in mushrooms that add a rich and earthy flavor, all enveloped in a light, velvety tomato sauce with a hint of herbs and spices. The harmonious blend of these ingredients creates a velvety sauce that beautifully coats the ridges and hollow center of this pasta, making it ideal for holding sauces.
Comes together quickly with essential ingredients Perfect for any occasion – potluck parties or get-togethers Tastes fantastic and never fails to amaze you
The delicious sauce that covers the pasta makes it a favorite choice for many pasta lovers – kids and adults alike!
Marinara Sauce — Homemade marinara sauce is the best for our Penne Rosa recipe. It is an awesome Italian pasta sauce that adds authentic Italian flavors and hues, giving the dish Italian vibes! It’s made from fresh, juicy tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs such as basil and oregano, all combined with olive oil. However, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought tomato basil pasta sauce to simplify the process. Mushrooms — Baby Bella (Cremini) mushrooms are ideal for this recipe as they lend a mild, earthy flavor and meaty texture. For a quicker option, you can also use pre-sliced white mushrooms. Cream — This is what gives the sauce its Rosa pink color, so don’t skip the cream! Heavy whipping cream adds richness and a velvety texture to Penne Rosa, contributing to its smoothness and silky texture. However, coconut cream can be used as a vegan alternative. If you want a lighter version of this dish, consider using half and half. Flavor Squad — Onions and garlic are added to the recipe. Diced onions add a crunch and earthy flavor to the dish, and the exotic taste of garlic provides extra deliciousness to our penne pasta recipe. Seasonings — Flavorings such as salt, Red chili flakes, and Italian Seasoning ( a robust blend of dried herbs: basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram) elevate the taste of this Penne Rosa recipe. To amp up the flavor instantly, feel free to add more spices like crushed black pepper or paprika, which bring a spicy kick to the recipe. A little heat will complement this recipe well. Garnish – Basil leaves are essential for Penne Rosa; their tenderness and pleasant aroma enhances the overall dish. For a healthier alternative, consider adding baby spinach leaves. Oil — Any favorite neutral oil can be used for this healthy delicacy. However, olive oil works the best. Another great option would be Avocado oil.
Healthy Option — To make this recipe healthy, you can use whole wheat pasta to boost the protein and fiber content. Whole wheat pasta not only adds a nutty flavor but also enhances the nutritional profile of this dish. Gluten-free option — If you need a gluten-free alternative, it’s easy to adapt this recipe. Just replace the whole wheat pasta with your preferred gluten-free pasta variety. There are many options available, such as rice pasta, quinoa pasta, or lentil pasta, which can provide a similar texture and taste while accommodating gluten sensitivities. Cook pasta until al dente — Overcooking pasta can ruin the dish, so cooking it the right way is extremely important. For the best texture, I recommend cooking Penne pasta until it is slightly past al dente—definitely soft but still firm when you bite into it, helping it avoid becoming mushy in the sauce. If you opt for whole-wheat pasta, make sure to cook it thoroughly, as whole-grain pasta that is al dente doesn’t have the best flavor. Cook over medium heat — After adding cream to a sauce, it’s important to use medium or medium-low heat. Higher temperatures can easily overcook the cream sauce, affecting the proteins and causing the sauce to separate. To prevent this, first allow the sauce to thicken on its own, then lower the heat slightly right before adding the cream. The residual heat will be sufficient to warm all the remaining ingredients. Season your pasta — Add salt to your pasta water. Put 3 to 4 tablespoons of kosher salt into the boiling water before adding the uncooked pasta. This is an important step to season the pasta and improve the overall flavor of your dish. Salting the water also helps keep the noodles from sticking together and adds flavor to the pasta. Adding extra protein — This meal is packed with flavor and is meatless! If you prefer a non-vegetarian dinner, you can add meat. Parmesan-crusted chicken or sliced grilled chicken would be excellent choices for Penne Rosa. For a pop of color — Choose baby spinach for this pasta dish because it is very tender. You can use regular spinach or baby kale if you want a heartier leafy green option.
So, let’s gather our ingredients and begin with the recipe! Should you make this Penne Rosa recipe in Marinara sauce, please let me know your thoughts by sharing your comment below. And don’t forget to share it with your family and friends.
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