Creamy Penne Primavera

Baked in a creamy cheese base, this easy penne primavera dish is a family friendly dish that's also great for parties or potlucks.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 45 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Calories: 669 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ cup milk
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup sour cream
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 large sweet onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, or as needed
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cups chopped fresh mushrooms
• 1 pinch paprika, or to taste
• 1 clove elephant garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon butter, or as needed
• 1 (1 pound) package whole grain penne pasta (such as Barilla®)
• 1 (16 ounce) bottle creamy Italian salad dressing, divided
• ½ cup mayonnaise (such as Hellmann's®)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped into small chunks

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and cheese is melted, about 30 minutes.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Butter a 9x13-inch baking pan.

Step 3

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, for 9 minutes.

Step 4

While pasta cooks, place cream cheese into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 of the Italian salad dressing, mayonnaise, sour cream, and milk. Whisk until creamy and melted, 3 to 4 minutes. Add 1/2 of the Parmesan cheese; whisk cheese sauce again until creamy, 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce heat to low.

Step 5

Place spinach in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high power until soft, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and chop.

Step 6

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, onion, and garlic; saute until soft, 5 to 7 minutes. Reduce heat to low and keep warm.

Step 7

Drain the pasta, rinse the pot, and return pasta to the clean pot.

Step 8

Stir cheese sauce into pasta until coated. Add cooked spinach and onion mixture; stir. Add red bell pepper and remaining Italian dressing. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Pour into the prepared baking pan. Top with remaining Parmesan cheese.