Penne Pasta in marinara sauce

5 from 3 votes

Penne Pasta in marinara sauce

Introducing the ultimate flavorful meal to make your weeknights more enjoyable – our Quick and easy Penne Rosa recipe! Despite its sophisticated name, Penne Rosa can be prepared in just 20 minutes using simple ingredients.

Prep: 10

Cook: 30

Total: 40

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Egg-free, Nut-free

Servings: PEOPLE

Calories: 610kcal

Author: Ruchi

Ingredients

FOR PASTA

1 lb Penne Pasta
1 teaspoon Olive oil
A pinch of Salt

FOR MARINARA SAUCE

1 medium Onions cubed
1 teaspoon Minced Garlic
8 oz Sliced Mushrooms
½ cup Heavy whipping cream mixed with 1/4 cup water
1½ cups Marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian Herb Seasoning
- - Salt to taste
¼ teaspoon Crushed red chili flakes
⅓ cup Fresh Basil leaves
1 tablespoon Olive oil

Instructions

PASTA PREPARATION

To cook pasta al dente, start with a large pot of salted water and bring it to a boil.
Once boiling, add oil and pasta and stir it to keep it from sticking together.
Check the cooking time on the package, which is usually between 9 to 11 minutes. Set a timer for 8 minutes. Begin checking the pasta about a minute before the timer goes off.
Look for pasta that is tender but still has a slight bite. It should not feel hard or chalky. Once it reaches this texture, drain the pasta in a colander.
PROTIP — Al dente means the pasta should be firm when you bite into it, helping it avoid becoming mushy in the sauce.

MARINARA SAUCE PREPARATION

Add oil to a large pan over medium-high heat. Add onions.
Sauté until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Add garlic to the pan.
After the raw smell of garlic is cooked, add mushrooms.
PROTIP — add garlic after the onion is cooked, as adding garlic too soon can cause it to burn.
Cook for 3-4 more minutes, stirring frequently, until mushrooms are fully cooked.
Add the marinara sauce.
Season with salt and add Italian seasoning to the simmering sauce.
Stir in cream.
Stir in cream into the simmering marinara sauce and mix well. This will result in a delicious and visually appealing pink sauce, known as Rosa sauce.
It's time to add boiled and strained pasta to the sauce. Add basil leaves.
Thoroughly coat the penne pasta in the Rosa sauce until all the grooves are evenly smeared and covered in the sauce.
Garnish with more fresh basil leaves and serve warm.

Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

How to store leftover Penner Rosa?

Leftover penne rosa can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep it in individual portions, or place a larger amount in a big airtight container or directly in the skillet for convenience.

How to Reheat Penne Rosa?

To warm individual portions, use the microwave or heat them over medium-low heat in a small saucepan. If needed, add a splash of water to help loosen the sauce and reduce sticking.

Can I freeze Penne Rosa?

I haven't tried freezing this dish, as it might not be the best option. Light cream sauces tend to separate when frozen and thawed.

What should I serve with this easy pasta dish?

Penne rosa pasta is a tasty meal that combines a creamy sauce, pasta, and mushrooms. It can be enjoyed as a vegetarian dinner or served as a side dish with your favorite protein, like parmesan-crusted chicken.

Can I make Penne Rosa recipe vegan?

My pasta rosa recipe is vegetarian, but you can make it vegan by using coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

Nutrition