Penne Rosa – Copycat Noodles & Co. Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Add garlic and oregano: Stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano. Continue to cook while stirring frequently for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 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.
- Incorporate spinach: Stir in the fresh baby spinach leaves and cook just until wilted.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
