CHEESY PENNE WITH CHERRY TOMATOES, SPINACH AND BROCCOLI

Cheesy Penne with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Broccoli

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (about 340 grams) of penne pasta
• 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups of fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 cups of broccoli florets
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

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.
• Drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Steam the Broccoli:

• While the pasta is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until they are tender, but still crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
• Remove them from the heat and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the minced garlic and cherry tomatoes to the skillet.
• Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
• Add the chopped spinach and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.

4. Combine Everything:

• Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
• Add half of the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens.
• Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.

5. Finish the Dish:

• Add the cooked penne pasta and steamed broccoli to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the pasta and vegetables with the creamy sauce.

6. Cheese and Bake:

• Preheat your oven’s broiler.
• Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta and vegetable mixture.
• Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

7. Serve:

• Remove the skillet from the oven carefully.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
• Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy penne with cherry tomatoes, spinach, and broccoli!

Note: This dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, and the cheesy sauce ties everything together beautifully. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or add some grilled chicken for extra protein if you like.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (about 340 grams) of penne pasta
• 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups of fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 cups of broccoli florets
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

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.
   • Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Steam the Broccoli:
   • While the pasta is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until they are tender, but still crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Remove them from the heat and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and cherry tomatoes to the skillet.
   • Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
   • Add the chopped spinach and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
4. Combine Everything:
   • Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine.
   • Add half of the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
5. Finish the Dish:
   • Add the cooked penne pasta and steamed broccoli to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the pasta and vegetables with the creamy sauce.
6. Cheese and Bake:
   • Preheat your oven’s broiler.
   • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta and vegetable mixture.
   • Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Serve:
   • Remove the skillet from the oven carefully (it will be hot!).
   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
   • Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy penne with cherry tomatoes, spinach, and broccoli!

This dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, and the cheesy sauce ties everything together beautifully. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or add some grilled chicken for extra protein if you like.