Creamy Tomato Penne

There's something truly magical about the simplicity of home-cooked meals. This week, I'm excited to share with you a recipe that embodies that comforting essence: Creamy Tomato Penne.
Picture this: al dente penne enveloped in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic herbs and spices. It's a dish that speaks directly to the soul, evoking memories of cozy family dinners and cherished gatherings around the table.
There's a certain joy in preparing a meal that not only nourishes the body but also warms the heart. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for loved ones, this recipe is sure to elicit smiles and satisfaction with every forkful.
Gila Glassberg
Gila Glassberg,MS, RD, CDN
Creamy Tomato Penne

Creamy Tomato Penne Ingredients:

- 1 box of penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 oz cheddar cheese
- 1 jar of marinara sauce
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp oregano
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking the pasta)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chiffonade

Instructions:

  1. Cook the penne pasta according to the instructions on the package. Make sure to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. The starch in the water will help thicken the sauce later.
  2. Once the pasta is cooked, strain it and return it to the pot.
  3. Add shredded mozzarella cheese, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic cloves, cheddar cheese, marinara sauce, tomato sauce, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and milk to the pot with the cooked pasta.
  4. Place the pot over medium heat and stir well to mix all the ingredients together. Allow the mixture to cook for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is heated through, stirring occasionally.
  5. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  6. Once everything is heated through and well combined, remove the pot from the heat.
  7. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley chiffonade for a burst of flavor and color.8. Enjoy your delicious penne pasta with a creamy garlic and tomato sauce!

Enjoy!




Gila Glassberg is a Master's level registered dietitian and a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. As a teenager, she was faced with constant diet talk, body shaming and obsessive guilt around food. She struggled with disordered eating. This is what propelled her into the field of nutrition. She uses a non-diet, weight-neutral approach called Intuitive Eating. She helps growth oriented women break out of chronic dieting, and regain clarity into what is really important to them.