Mom What's for Dinner Pasta

Ready in just 30 minutes, "Mom What’s for Dinner Pasta" is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that blends simplicity with gourmet flair. This creamy penne recipe features tender pasta coated in a luscious garlic-Parmesan sauce, brightened with the freshness of wilted spinach, juicy burst cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Optional sliced chicken adds a protein-packed twist, making it a versatile choice for both vegetarians and meat lovers. Finished with a hint of spice from crushed red pepper flakes, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy families craving a comforting yet wholesome dish. Quick, flavorful, and filling, it’s the dinner answer your family will love!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 4 cloves Garlic
• 2 cups Cherry tomatoes
• 4 cups Fresh spinach
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.25 cup Basil leaves (fresh, chopped)
• 1 piece Chicken breast (optional, cooked and sliced)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3

Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and burst.

Step 4

Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.

Step 5

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until combined, then simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 8

If using cooked chicken breast, add the slices to the pasta and toss to warm through.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves.

Step 10

Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1443.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3548.9

Total Fat 185.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 96.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 515.5mg	0%
Sodium 6248.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 280.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.9g	0%
Total Sugars 8.0g
Protein 171.6g	0%

Vitamin D 5IU	0%
Calcium 2996.3mg	0%
Iron 21.0mg	0%
Potassium 2130.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.0%

Protein: 19.8%

Carbs: 32.3%