Cheesy Penne with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Broccoli

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add the Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they begin to soften. Then add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Season the vegetables with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) for an added kick.

4. Incorporate the Broccoli

Once the spinach is wilted, add the steamed or blanched broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir everything together, ensuring the vegetables are evenly mixed.

5. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the cream warm up for a minute, then add both the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the creamy vegetable and cheese mixture. Toss the pasta gently in the sauce, making sure every piece is coated. Let the pasta cook for another 1-2 minutes in the sauce to absorb the flavors.

7. Serve

Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the cheesy penne hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Penne with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Broccoli

• Balanced and Nutritious: With spinach, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes, this pasta dish is loaded with vegetables that provide essential vitamins and fiber, making it a healthier option compared to many traditional pasta recipes.
• Creamy and Cheesy: The blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses creates a rich, velvety sauce that perfectly coats the penne, while the heavy cream adds a luxurious texture to the dish.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner. The simplicity of the ingredients and steps ensures that even novice cooks can prepare a delicious meal.
• Customizable: You can easily swap the vegetables based on what you have on hand. For example, swap broccoli for zucchini, or try adding mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.
• Comforting: The combination of pasta, cheese, and creamy sauce makes this dish incredibly satisfying and comforting—perfect for when you need a little pick-me-up.

Tips for Making the Perfect Cheesy Penne

• Vegetable Prep: If you don’t have steamed or blanched broccoli on hand, you can easily steam fresh broccoli florets in the microwave for a few minutes or blanch them by boiling them briefly in salted water and then plunging them into ice water to retain their color and crunch.
• Make it Lighter: To make this dish lighter, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use part-skim versions for a healthier take.
• Add Protein: For a more filling meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon to make the dish heartier.
• Make it Spicy: If you love a little heat, toss in a few extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce for an extra kick.

Variations

• Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or sausage to the pasta.
• Vegan Version: Make this dish vegan by using dairy-free cheese alternatives and substituting the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk.
• Add a Crunch: Top your finished dish with some toasted breadcrumbs for a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.

Conclusion

Cheesy Penne with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Broccoli is the ultimate comfort food that also packs in the goodness of vegetables. This dish combines the best of both worlds: indulgent cheesy pasta and healthy greens, making it a well-rounded meal that the whole family will love. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it’s perfect for busy evenings or when you just need something cozy to dig into. So next time you’re in the mood for a cheesy, veggie-packed pasta, this recipe will surely hit the spot!