Creamy Herbed Penne Pasta
Indulge in this creamy herbed penne pasta that perfectly balances the richness of heavy cream with the aromatic flavors of rosemary. This dish is not only quick and easy to prepare but also versatile. Enhance it further by adding sautéed mushrooms, sweet peas, vibrant shredded carrots, and tender cubed cooked chicken, creating a delightful one-dish meal that's perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
6
Servings
490
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Penne Pasta
12 ounces (cooked to al dente)
Unsalted Butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
Rosemary
1 tablespoon (minced)
Heavy Cream
1 1/2 cups (room temperature)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Ground Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (freshly grated)
Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced rosemary and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
2
Pour in the heavy cream, then add the cooked penne pasta, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg. Gently toss the mixture to ensure the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
3
Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and is heated through.
4
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it is thoroughly combined and melted into the sauce.
5
Transfer the creamy herbed penne pasta to a serving dish. Garnish generously with chopped parsley before serving to add freshness and a burst of color.
Nutrition Information
29.3g
Fat
35g
Carbs
13.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Herbed Penne Pasta?
It is a rich and indulgent pasta dish that balances heavy cream with the aromatic flavors of rosemary and Parmesan cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses 12 ounces of penne pasta, cooked to an al dente texture.
Can I add meat to this dish?
Yes, adding tender cubed cooked chicken is a recommended way to turn this into a hearty one-dish meal.
What vegetables are recommended as add-ins?
Saut ed mushrooms, sweet peas, and vibrant shredded carrots are excellent choices to enhance the dish.
How do I prepare the rosemary for the sauce?
The fresh rosemary should be finely minced and saut ed in butter for 2-3 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
While heavy cream provides the richest texture, half-and-half can be used as a lighter alternative, though the sauce will be thinner.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 490 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish, provided the Parmesan cheese used is produced with vegetarian rennet.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 29.3 grams of fat per serving.
What spices are used to season the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter; if using salted, you may want to reduce the additional salt added later.
How do I garnish the pasta?
Garnish the finished dish generously with 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
When should I add the Parmesan cheese?
Remove the skillet from the heat before stirring in the grated Parmesan to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
How long does it take to cook the sauce?
After adding the cream and pasta, the sauce should simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
What is the purpose of adding nutmeg?
Ground nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and depth that complements cream-based sauces perfectly.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes, but use about 1/3 of the amount since dried herbs are more potent than fresh ones.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving contains 13.3 grams of protein.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the standard penne with your preferred gluten-free pasta alternative.
How should I store leftover pasta?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat the creamy sauce?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has become too thick.
What temperature should the heavy cream be?
Using room temperature heavy cream helps prevent the sauce from breaking when added to the pan.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni work well as they hold onto the creamy sauce.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe requires 9 main ingredients.
What type of Parmesan is best?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended as it melts more evenly than pre-shredded varieties.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick meal and a one-dish meal, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
While not in the original ingredients, minced garlic can be saut ed with the rosemary for extra flavor.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The recipe data does not specify fiber content, but adding vegetables like carrots or peas will increase it.
Is this dish considered Italian cuisine?
Yes, it is tagged under Italian cuisine and comfort food.