Penne Rosa – Copycat Noodles & Co. Recipe

Introduction

Penne Rosa is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish inspired by the popular Noodles & Co. recipe. It combines a rich tomato sauce with fresh spinach and a hint of spice, creating a comforting meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 24 oz. your favorite spaghetti sauce
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1-2 pinches of cayenne pepper (optional)
• 16 oz. penne pasta, cooked al dente
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked pepper
• Freshly chopped parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Easy homemade garlic bread (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Drizzle the cooked al dente penne pasta with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss well to coat and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
3. Step 3: Add the diced onion along with a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 4 minutes until softened.
4. Step 4: Stir in minced garlic and dried oregano, cooking for 1 minute while stirring frequently to release their aromas.
5. Step 5: Pour in the spaghetti sauce and stir to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
6. Step 6: Allow the sauce to heat through, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes and stirring regularly to prevent sticking.
7. Step 7: Add the fresh baby spinach leaves into the sauce and stir until wilted.
8. Step 8: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
9. Step 9: If desired, add 1 to 2 pinches of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
10. Step 10: Add the seasoned penne pasta to the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
11. Step 11: Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy with garlic bread for a complete meal!

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter dish, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
• Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
• Use fresh oregano instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
• Swap penne for another pasta shape like rigatoni or fusilli if preferred.
• To make it vegan, replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use a plant-based cheese alternative.

Storage

Store leftover Penne Rosa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Penne Rosa ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead and store it separately from the pasta. Combine and reheat just before serving for best texture.

Is this recipe spicy?

The cayenne pepper is optional and adds only a mild heat. You can omit it if you prefer a milder dish.

Penne Rosa – Copycat Noodles & Co. Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 76 reviews

This Penne Rosa recipe is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish inspired by Noodles & Co., featuring a savory tomato-based sauce blended with fresh spinach and heavy cream. Tossed with perfectly cooked penne and garnished with Parmesan and parsley, this comforting dish is easy to prepare and ideal for a family dinner or casual meal.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 16 oz. penne pasta, cooked al dente
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 24 oz. your favorite spaghetti sauce
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1–2 pinches of cayenne pepper, optional
• Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Garnish

• Freshly chopped parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Optional

• Easy homemade garlic bread, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare pasta: Drizzle the cooked al dente penne pasta with olive oil, season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then toss well to coat evenly. Set aside to keep warm.
2. Sauté onion: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion along with a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Cook while stirring frequently for about 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Add garlic and oregano: Stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano. Continue to cook while stirring frequently for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add pasta sauce: Pour in the spaghetti sauce and stir to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
5. Incorporate spinach: Stir in the fresh baby spinach leaves and cook just until wilted.
6. Finish sauce with cream: Remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated, creating a creamy rosa sauce.
7. Season the sauce: Add 1-2 pinches of cayenne pepper if desired for a subtle kick. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed.
8. Toss pasta with sauce: Add the seasoned penne pasta into the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the creamy tomato sauce.
9. Garnish and serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with optional homemade garlic bread for a complete meal.

Notes

• Ensure pasta is cooked al dente for the best texture.
• You can use any spaghetti sauce brand you prefer or homemade sauce.
• The cayenne pepper is optional but adds a nice subtle heat.
• Heavy cream adds richness; substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
• Fresh spinach can be replaced with baby kale or other greens if preferred.
• This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and garlic bread.

Keywords: Penne Rosa, creamy pasta, Noodles & Co. copycat, spinach pasta, tomato cream sauce, easy dinner, comfort food