Easy Penne Rosa
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The back-to-school hustle is officially in full swing, and with busy schedules and endless to-do lists, getting a wholesome dinner on the table can feel like a real challenge. That’s why this easy penne rosa recipe will be a lifesaver in your weekly meal rotation.
It’s quick, delicious, and packed with flavor—perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need something satisfying but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a dish that the whole family will love, and you’ll be glad to have this recipe up your sleeve as the school year ramps up.
You might be wondering, what exactly is the rosa sauce that gives this easy penne rosa its unique and irresistible flavor? Rosa sauce is a delightful blend of two classic Italian sauces: a tomato-based marinara and a rich, creamy Alfredo. The name “rosa” comes from the Italian word for “pink,” which perfectly describes the lovely, blush-colored sauce that results from mixing these two together.
This combination combines the best of both worlds—the tangy, robust flavor of marinara and Alfredo’s smooth, velvety texture. It’s a delicious twist on traditional pasta sauces, offering a perfect balance of acidity and creaminess that elevates your everyday pasta dish into something special.
While this versatile rosa sauce can be served over any type of pasta, but I like pairing it with penne pasta. Penne is a long tube-shaped noodles with angled edges, which not only gives it a distinctive look but also makes it ideal for holding onto sauces. The ridges on the penne help cling to the tomato cream sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
The sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, coating each piece in its creamy, tomatoey goodness, making every mouthful incredibly satisfying. In no time at all, you’ll have a comforting, flavorful meal on the table that’s sure to become a family favorite during the busy school season.
Ingredients to make Easy Penne Rosa
- PENNE PASTA
- GROUND BEEF
- ONION
- GARLIC
- MARINARA SAUCE
- HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM
- PARMESAN CHEESE FOR GARNISH
How to Make Easy Penne Rosa
This sauce begins with cooking a pound of ground beef in a large skillet along with some diced onion. Once the meat is fully cooked, drain off any excess grease and then mix in a little minced garlic. Next comes the marinara sauce. Just use your favorite sauce from a jar and heat it through. Then, you also add in a half cup heavy cream.
Next, cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. After that, all that’s left to do is serve the creamy tomato sauce over the cooked penne and sprinkle with some Parmesan cheese. I also served it with some homemade focaccia bread ready in 90 minutes. That recipe will be posted on Thursday, so be sure to stop back. It was the perfect thing to use to sop up every last stop of this tasty rosa sauce from my plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Penne Rosa ahead of time. Prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine them when ready to serve. Store the sauce and pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from drying out.
Is there a way to make Penne Rosa lighter?
To make a lighter version of Penne Rosa, you can use a lower-fat cream or even substitute the cream with a light cream cheese or Greek yogurt. You can also increase the ratio of marinara to cream, using more tomato sauce and less cream. Adding extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini is another great way to lighten up the dish.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
To prevent curdling, make sure to simmer the sauce gently and avoid boiling it once the cream is added. If you’re reheating the dish, do so over low heat and stir frequently. Adding a bit of the pasta cooking water to the sauce can also help maintain a smooth consistency.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover Penne Rosa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce creamy. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and to prevent the sauce from separating.
FOR MORE Pasta RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- One Pot Penne Pasta
- Penne with Chicken and Pesto
- Sausage Penne Pasta
- Barbecue Penne and Chicken Skillet
Easy Penne Rosa
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 oz pkg penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- ¼ cup diced onion
- ½ tsp minced garlic
- 28 oz jar marinara sauce
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to pacakge directions.
- In the meantime, in a large pot or deep skillet, brown your hamburger and onion until fully cooked. Drain off grease. Mix in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add in the pasta sauce and combine well. Warm until heated through. Add in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
- Serve sauce over the cooked penne and garnish with Parmesan cheese. Serves 6.
Nutrition
Recipe inspired by More or Less Cooking.
