Italian Cheer

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of "Italian Cheer," a quick and easy pasta recipe that brings a taste of Italy to your table in just 30 minutes. Featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce with sautéed cherry tomatoes, fresh baby spinach, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, this dish is as comforting as it is flavorful. The rich, velvety texture of the heavy cream pairs beautifully with the brightness of fresh basil, creating a perfectly balanced meal that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Best served hot with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, "Italian Cheer" is a crowd-pleasing delight for anyone craving authentic Italian comfort food. Keywords: Italian pasta recipe, creamy penne, quick Italian dinner, easy pasta dish, Parmesan sauce.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams penne pasta
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 units garlic cloves, minced
• 300 grams cherry tomatoes, halved
• 200 grams baby spinach
• 120 milliliters heavy cream
• 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 10 grams fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 4 liters water
• 1 tablespoons salt for boiling pasta

Directions

Step 1

Bring 4 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt for boiling the pasta.

Step 2

Cook the penne pasta in the boiling water according to the package instructions, usually 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.

Step 3

While the pasta is cooking, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 5

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to release their juices.

Step 6

Stir in the baby spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine with the vegetables.

Step 8

Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoons of ground black pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 9

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 10

Sprinkle in the chopped fresh basil leaves and give everything a final stir.

Step 11

Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your Italian Cheer!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	5212 grams (5212.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2531

Total Fat 105.00g	135%
Saturated Fat 40.60g	203%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 170mg	57%
Sodium 9356mg	407%
Total Carbohydrate 316.30g	115%
Dietary Fiber 24.00g	86%
Total Sugars 7.90g
Protein 78.60g	157%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1044mg	80%
Iron 23mg	126%
Potassium 1605mg	34%

*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: 37.4%

Protein: 12.5%

Carbs: 50.1%