Mozzarella Penne Rosa Pasta with Sun Dried Tomatoes

• Produce

  • 2 cups Baby spinach, fresh
  • 1/4 cup Basil, fresh
  • 1/2 cup Mushrooms

• Canned Goods

  • 1/4 cup Vegetable or chicken stock

• Condiments

  • 1 jar Marinara sauce

• Pasta & Grains

  • 8 oz Penne pasta

• Baking & Spices

  • 1/8 tsp Red pepper flakes

• Oils & Vinegars

  • 2 1/2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 3 oz Sun-dried tomatoes in oil

• Dairy

  • 3/4 cup Heavy cream or half & half
  • 1 cup Mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, fresh

• Other

  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced or zested

Found on swankyrecipes.com

Description

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 ounces sun-dried tomatoes in oil
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or zested
• 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken stock
• 8 ounce penne pasta
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3/4 cup heavy cream or half & half
• 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, shredded (or 1/2 tablespoon dried basil)
• 1/4 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, shredded

Directions

• Fill a large pot with water and 1/2 tablespoon olive oil then place on stove top over medium high heat. The pasta will be added once it starts boiling.
• In a separate pan, Place oil in large skillet over medium low heat. Add sun dried tomatoes and chopped mushrooms. Sun dried tomatoes will burn if left too long. Flip once then remove to cutting board and dice them; set aside. Continue to Sautee mushrooms for 3 minutes, stirring with spatula. Stir in minced/zested garlic and continue to sautee for 2-3 minutes making sure they dont burn. Stir in broth/stock and reduced heat to low. Stir in 24 ounces marinara sauce, red pepper flakes and half of the sun dried tomatoes then simmer for 10 minutes stirring it occasionally.
• Meanwhile, pour penne pasta into boiling pot and cook according to package direction. Drain pasta and set aside once done.
• Stir in heavy cream/half & half into skillet and stir to combine for 3 minutes. Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese and stir to combine. Fold in fresh baby spinach, combining everything well. Allow to cook for 5 minutes. Stir in penne pasta and dried basil, if using. Top with chopped fresh basil, sun dried tomatoes and shredded Parmesan cheese.
• Prepare Birds Eye® Italian Style Protein Blends package according to package directions. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve as a side dish.