Skillet Baked Penne With Spinach

Introduction

Get ready to discover your new favorite weeknight meal! This Skillet Baked Penne with Spinach is pure comfort food. It’s a creamy, cheesy pasta dish packed with tender spinach, all baked to perfection in a single skillet. The rich tomato sauce hugs every piece of penne, creating a truly satisfying experience that tastes like it took hours, but really doesn’t.

What makes this recipe so special is its incredible ease and speed. We’re talking about a one-pan wonder! You cook the pasta right in the sauce on your stovetop, then finish it with a glorious layer of melted cheese in the oven. No multiple pots, no draining pasta, just simple steps for a delicious result that will impress everyone at your table.

So, clear your schedule and preheat your oven. This Skillet Baked Penne with Spinach is calling your name. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or whenever you crave a hearty, flavorful meal without all the fuss. Give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Cooking Time & Prep Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Small tip: Gather and measure all your ingredients before you start cooking. This is called “mise en place” and it makes the cooking process much smoother and faster!

Ingredients

This recipe makes 4 generous servings.

• For the Pasta:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 8 ounces penne pasta (about 2 cups dry)
• 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
• For the Topping:
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (at least 10-inch) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

   Small tip: Don’t let the garlic burn; it can turn bitter very quickly. Keep a close eye on it!

2. Step 2: Build the Sauce and Add Pasta

   Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the dry penne pasta to the skillet, making sure it’s mostly submerged in the liquid.

3. Step 3: Cook the Pasta

   Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. The pasta should be al dente (slightly firm to the bite) and most of the liquid should be absorbed.

   Small tip: If the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is cooked, add a splash more broth or water.

4. Step 4: Stir in Spinach and Cream Cheese

   Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh spinach a handful at a time; it will wilt down quickly. Add the cubed cream cheese and stir gently until it has melted into the sauce, making it wonderfully creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

5. Step 5: Add Cheese Topping and Bake

   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Then, scatter the grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.

6. Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Serve

   Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

   Small tip: An oven mitt is crucial here! The skillet handle will be extremely hot.

Tips & Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Easily make this dish gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free penne pasta. Just be sure to check the cooking time on the package, as it can sometimes vary.
• Vegan/Vegetarian Option: For a completely vegan dish, swap the cream cheese for a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use a dairy-free shredded mozzarella. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor.
• Add More Vegetables or Protein: Feel free to toss in extra veggies like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms when you sauté the onion. For added protein, stir in cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or a can of drained chickpeas during Step 4.
• Spicy Version: If you love heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to 1/2 or even 1 teaspoon. A dash of hot sauce in the sauce can also turn up the spice factor.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs! A pinch of dried thyme or a bay leaf added to the sauce during simmering can offer a lovely depth of flavor. Fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano can be added at the end.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 580 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fat: 24g

Please note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.

Health Benefits

This Skillet Baked Penne with Spinach isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with wholesome ingredients that offer great health benefits.

Spinach is a superstar green, loaded with vitamins and minerals. It’s an excellent source of Vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health. You’ll also find plenty of Vitamin A for vision, Vitamin C for immunity, and iron, which helps transport oxygen in your blood.

Tomatoes, the base of our rich sauce, are a fantastic source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Lycopene gives tomatoes their vibrant red color and is linked to heart health and protection against certain cancers. They also provide a good dose of Vitamin C and potassium.

Whole wheat penne pasta, if you choose it, adds valuable dietary fiber to your meal. Fiber is crucial for digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and can contribute to a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management. Even regular pasta provides energy for your body.

Overall, this dish offers a balanced meal with carbohydrates for energy, protein for muscle repair, healthy fats, and a significant boost of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. It’s a nourishing and satisfying choice for any meal.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this hearty penne with a simple side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. The fresh greens offer a lovely contrast to the rich pasta.
• Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious creamy tomato sauce.
• Enjoy this dish as a satisfying main course. It’s substantial enough on its own, but also pairs well with a grilled chicken breast or a side of roasted vegetables.
• This recipe is fantastic for meal prep! Divide individual portions into airtight containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While it can be frozen, the texture of the pasta and sauce might change slightly upon thawing. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Conclusion

There you have it – a truly remarkable and incredibly simple recipe for Skillet Baked Penne with Spinach. This dish proves that delicious, comforting meals don’t have to be complicated. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s a winner in every way.

The creamy sauce, tender pasta, and cheesy topping combine to create a dish that feels both gourmet and homey. It’s the perfect solution for busy evenings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. We promise, once you try this one-pan wonder, it will become a regular in your recipe rotation.

So, go ahead and give it a try! Gather your loved ones around the table and share this delightful Skillet Baked Penne. It’s a meal that brings warmth and smiles, perfect for creating cherished memories. Happy cooking!