If you’re craving a comfort meal that feels both indulgent and fresh, this Penne Pasta with Spinach and Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner. Creamy roasted red pepper combined with vibrant spinach makes a luscious sauce that perfectly hugs each piece of penne pasta, creating a dish that’s rich without being heavy. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or impressing friends at your next dinner, this recipe delivers warmth, color, and incredible flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple and thoughtful, each playing an essential role in making this dish a delightful experience. From the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers to the fresh pop of spinach, every component adds a unique layer that builds complexity and harmony.
- 8 oz penne pasta: The perfect shape to catch and carry the creamy sauce in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a smooth base with a subtle richness for sautéing garlic and spinach.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1 cup fresh spinach: Offers a vibrant, slightly earthy note and brilliant green color.
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped: Brings smoky sweetness and a silky texture that’s the star of the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, dreamy creaminess that coats every pasta piece.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkles in savory nuttiness and a melt-in-mouth quality.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh basil for garnish: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness as the final touch.
How to Make Penne Pasta with Spinach and Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Begin by boiling the penne pasta in generously salted water according to package instructions until al dente. This ensures the pasta is firm to the bite and ready to soak up the sauce perfectly. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, saving a cup of pasta water if you’d like to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Spinach
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and stir it for about a minute until fragrant, watching carefully so it doesn’t brown. Next, add the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts down, releasing its moisture and shrinking in size, leaving you with tender greens that add a lovely earthy balance to the dish.
Step 3: Add Roasted Red Peppers
Stir in the chopped roasted red peppers and let them cook with the spinach and garlic for a couple of minutes. This step lets the peppers soften further, blending their smoky sweetness into the sauté base, which makes the sauce irresistibly flavorful.
Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, bringing everything to a gentle simmer while stirring. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until it melts completely, transforming the sauce into a smooth, creamy velvety mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting carefully to bring out all the savory notes.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked penne pasta directly into the skillet with your cream sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated, ensuring every bite gets the full richness of the spinach and roasted red pepper cream. You can add a bit of reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top, lending a fragrant, slightly sweet hit of herbal freshness that brightens the entire dish. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
How to Serve Penne Pasta with Spinach and Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a classic garnish here because it adds color and a fresh aroma that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce. For an extra flourish, try a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat or a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil for shine.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, lightly dressed salads to balance the richness. Consider a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a roasted vegetable platter to add texture and variety. Garlic bread or warm focaccia also complement the creamy sauce perfectly, soaking up every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
You can turn this cozy pasta into a stunning centerpiece by serving it in shallow bowls with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan shavings and basil sprigs arranged thoughtfully. For a casual touch, bake the penne briefly with extra cheese on top to create a bubbly, golden crust before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Penne Pasta with Spinach and Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify beautifully, though the texture of the spinach softens over time.
Freezing
This dish tends to be a little sensitive to freezing because of the cream sauce, which can separate when thawed. If you want to freeze it, consider slightly undercooking the pasta and freezing the sauce and pasta separately to maintain texture and flavor integrity.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the sauce’s creamy texture without drying out the pasta. Stir frequently to ensure even warming and prevent scorching.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, other pasta such as rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle work wonderfully too, each providing a slightly different texture and sauce-holding capability.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for the heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind these will slightly alter the flavor profile but still offer a rich and creamy texture.
Can I make the roasted red peppers from scratch?
Yes, roasting fresh red peppers at home gives an incredible smoky flavor that jarred peppers sometimes lack. Simply roast them under a broiler or on an open flame until charred, then peel and chop before use.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add heat, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic or sprinkle some chili powder into the sauce. Fresh diced jalapeños sautéed with the spinach can also bring a lively kick to the dish.
Is it okay to use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While fresh spinach is ideal for its texture and brightness, frozen spinach can be used if pressed dry beforehand. Add it to the skillet a bit earlier to allow any excess water to cook off for the best results.
Final Thoughts
This Penne Pasta with Spinach and Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce Recipe is a heartfelt dish that brings together the comfort of creamy pasta with the freshness of vibrant vegetables. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for guests. Once you try making it, expect it to become one of your favorite go-to meals, perfect for sharing with those you love.
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Penne Pasta with Spinach and Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and flavorful penne pasta dish featuring a rich roasted red pepper cream sauce, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or when you want a comforting yet vibrant Italian-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Boil the penne pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic and Spinach: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Roasted Red Peppers: Stir in chopped roasted red peppers, cooking for another 2 minutes to combine flavors and heat through.
- Create Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and forms a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently until all the pasta is well coated with the creamy roasted red pepper sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream.
- Roasted red peppers can be store-bought or homemade for deeper flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitute if desired.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese yields the best melting and flavor.
