If you’re looking for a pasta dish that’s creamy, zesty, and fresh in every bite, you have to try Penne Rosa. This irresistible recipe brings together tender penne pasta, a swirl of spicy marinara, vibrant vegetables, and a lush cream sauce that ties it all together beautifully. Whether you want a crave-worthy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing favorite for get-togethers, Penne Rosa is a flavor-packed winner you’ll find yourself making again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great Penne Rosa starts with simple, vibrant ingredients that come together in a magical way. Each item does its part, adding flavor, body, or just the right pop of color—so don’t skip the details!

Penne pasta: This classic tubular pasta holds the creamy sauce and chunky veggies perfectly for that ideal bite every time.
Olive oil: The foundation of flavor, helping to sauté the mushrooms while adding a subtle richness.
Sliced mushrooms: Mushrooms soak up flavor and add a meaty texture that gives the dish depth and heartiness.
Garlic (pressed): Fresh garlic brightens and sharpens the sauce, making everything sing.
Marinara sauce: Choose a good-quality marinara for bold tomato flavor—the soul of the dish!
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just enough to give Penne Rosa its signature kick; adjust it to your heat preference.
Roma tomatoes (diced): These add freshness, a touch of acidity, and gorgeous color.
Fresh spinach: Wilted into the sauce, spinach brings a pop of green and a welcome hit of nutrients.
Heavy whipping cream: The secret to that decadent, silky texture that makes Penne Rosa so luxurious.
Kosher salt: Enhances every other flavor in the pan, so season with love!
Black pepper: Adds warmth and rounds out the dish’s complex flavors.
Shredded parmesan cheese: The ideal, savory finish—never skimp on freshly shredded parm if you can help it!

How to Make Penne Rosa

Step 1: Cook the Penne

First things first: bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne pasta according to the package instructions. Give it a gentle stir occasionally so none of the noodles stick together. You want the pasta perfectly al dente, because it’ll continue to soak up flavors from the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

While that pasta’s bubbling away, heat the olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and let them sizzle for about three minutes. You’re coaxing out their deep, savory flavor and letting them take on some golden edges—it’s worth the wait!

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Now, toss the pressed garlic into your skillet and stir it around with the mushrooms. Let it cook for just a minute until it’s fragrant. The kitchen should smell absolutely divine at this stage—mushrooms and garlic are such a dreamy combo!

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Drain your pasta and add it straight into the skillet. Pour in the marinara sauce and sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes. Give everything a good toss so that the penne gets coated with that luscious, slightly spicy sauce.

Step 5: Add Fresh Veggies

Now comes the beautiful color—add in your diced roma tomatoes and generous handfuls of fresh spinach. Stir to combine, and cook just until the spinach looks mostly wilted. The residual heat will do most of the work, so keep an eye on those bright greens.

Step 6: Finish with Cream

Time for the decadent twist! Pour in the heavy whipping cream, then season with kosher salt and black pepper. Stir gently and heat through until everything’s warm and velvety. You don’t want to boil it, just let it all meld together into creamy perfection.

Step 7: Plate and Cheese It

Dish up the hot Penne Rosa and finish each plate with a generous shower of shredded parmesan. The cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, giving you that extra-satisfying finish.

How to Serve Penne Rosa

Garnishes

Let’s make it even more special! Top each serving with a little extra parmesan, a scattering of chopped fresh basil, or a dash more crushed red pepper if you like an extra kick. A drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of lemon over the top is heavenly, too.

Side Dishes

Penne Rosa is deliciously rich, so think about serving it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Warm, crusty bread (like ciabatta or garlic knots) is fantastic for mopping up the sauce, and roasted or steamed veggies make a wonderful, colorful addition.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, serve Penne Rosa in individual pasta bowls for date night, or pile it high on a large platter for family style. For a party, try spooning it into oven-proof ramekins, topping with extra cheese, and broiling briefly for a cheesy pasta bake twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra Penne Rosa? Let it cool, then transfer it to an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep beautifully for up to three days, and the flavors might deepen even more overnight.

Freezing

You can freeze Penne Rosa for later! Just portion it into freezer-safe containers, making sure it’s completely cooled first. When stored properly, you can enjoy your pasta up to two months later—perfect for busy nights.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm Penne Rosa in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce’s texture. The microwave works, too—just stir halfway through to distribute the heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I make Penne Rosa vegetarian?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian as written. If you want even more protein, add sautéed tofu, or explore vegetarian sausage or plant-based chicken alternatives.

Is Penne Rosa very spicy?

The crushed red pepper gives it a gentle heat, but you’re totally in control. Dial it up or down based on your preference—start with less if you’re sensitive to spice.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free penne. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as some gluten-free varieties can become soft quickly in the sauce.

What else can I add to the sauce?

Penne Rosa is easy to personalize. Try throwing in some sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even grilled chicken or shrimp if you like. The sauce welcomes all kinds of tasty extras!

How do I keep the sauce creamy?

The trick is not to overheat the sauce after adding cream. Gently warm everything together until heated through, but avoid boiling once the cream goes in so it stays luscious and smooth.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a dish that’s as cozy as it is crave-able, I can’t recommend Penne Rosa enough. It’s a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress, and I hope it becomes one of your favorites too. Give it a try and let the flavors win you over—your dinner table deserves a star like this!