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Bowl of cheesy penne pasta with cherry tomatoes, spinach, and broccoli
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Cheesy Penne with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Broccoli

A delightful recipe featuring creamy penne pasta, fresh vegetables, and melty cheese, perfect for family dinners or unexpected guests.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Cheesy Penne, Creamy Sauce, Pasta, Quick Dinner, Vegetarian
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 550kcal

Ingredients

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 12 ounces penne pasta Cooked to perfection.
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes Adds sweetness and color.
  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves Offers a vibrant green color.
  • 1 cup broccoli florets Provides crunch and nutrition.

Cheesy Sauce

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Melted for a creamy texture.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds richness to the sauce.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Creates a decadent sauce.

Aromatics and Seasoning

  • 2 cloves garlic Infuses the dish with warmth.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Enhances the flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Provides a Mediterranean flavor.
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper Essential for seasoning.

Garnish

  • to taste Fresh basil leaves For garnish.

Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

  • Boil the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Sautéing Vegetables

  • In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook until soft and juices begin to release.
  • Stir in chopped broccoli florets and cook for about 2 minutes, then add spinach and cook until wilted.

Making the Creamy Sauce

  • Pour in the heavy cream, and add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese along with Italian seasoning. Stir until cheeses are melted and well combined.

Combining Everything

  • Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, ensuring it is well coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Serving

  • Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes or lemon zest. Grilled chicken or chickpeas can be added for protein. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.