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Cheesy Penne with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Broccoli dish
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Cheesy Penne with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Broccoli

A delightful, comforting dish featuring al dente penne pasta, vibrant cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and broccoli, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Cheesy Penne, comfort food, Family Recipe, Quick Dinner, Vegetable Pasta
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 570kcal

Ingredients

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 12 ounces Penne Pasta, cooked to al dente For that perfect bite.
  • 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes, sliced in half To release their juicy sweetness.
  • 1 cup Fresh Spinach Leaves Adding vibrant color and nutrients.
  • 1 cup Broccoli Florets, chopped For crunch and health benefits.

Dairy and Cream Ingredients

  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese For a gooey texture.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Adding depth and a salty kick.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Rich and velvety for the sauce.

Flavoring Ingredients

  • 2 cloves Garlic, finely minced For aromatic warmth.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil For sautéing.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning To enhance flavor.
  • Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste For seasoning.
  • Fresh Basil Leaves, for garnish To add a fragrant finish.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Start by boiling the penne pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente. Once done, drain and set aside.
  • In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices.
  • Incorporate the broccoli florets and cook for about two minutes before adding the fresh spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Stir well until the cheeses melt into a creamy sauce.
  • Toss the cooked penne pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve hot.

Notes

For extra creaminess, consider adding cream cheese or ricotta. For a kick, add red pepper flakes with the garlic. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.