Penne St. Martin
A flavorful Italian pasta dish featuring penne, fresh tomatoes, mushrooms, peas, and aromatic herbs, all coated in a creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a comforting, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet with halved garlic cloves.
- Cook until garlic is golden, then remove and discard the garlic pieces.
- Add drained Italian plum tomatoes to the skillet and simmer for 4 minutes.
- Add quartered mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced rosemary, chopped basil, shelled peas, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper; cook until peas are tender.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Cook the dried penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
- While pasta cooks, stir the whipping cream into the sauce and heat through.
- Drain the cooked pasta and pour the hot sauce over it.
- Add half of the grated Parmesan cheese and toss to combine.
- Serve with the remaining Parmesan cheese at the table.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic. If you're short on fresh herbs, dried basil and rosemary can be substituted—use about one-third of the amount. To make the dish heartier, you might also include cooked Italian sausage or grilled chicken. For a lighter option, swap in zucchini noodles instead of penne.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp Italian Vegetable Salad and a loaf of crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside Italian Broccoli sautéed in garlic and olive oil. A glass of chilled white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors perfectly, making it an ideal choice for dinner parties or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Penne St. Martin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penne St. Martin contains roughly 1502 calories, with 23g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 131g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (191% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (157% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1244mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! You'll need about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch them to remove the skins, then chop and use them in place of the canned tomatoes. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may require a longer cooking time to achieve a similar sauce consistency.
What can I substitute for whipping cream?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the whipping cream. For a dairy-free alternative, use a plant-based cream or coconut milk. Keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich, but it will still be delicious!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, but to enhance it, consider adding more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. You can also include protein such as chickpeas or tofu for added nutrition and texture. Explore more vegetarian recipes for additional inspiration!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).