Creamy spinach penne with cherry tomatoes and Parmesan

About this recipe

Creamy spinach penne with cherry tomatoes is a modern, Italian-inspired pasta rather than an established regional speciality with a documented date of invention. Unlike a classic red tomato sauce, this dish uses cream and freshly grated Parmesan to make a pale, silky coating. Briefly blistered cherry tomatoes add sweet, juicy bursts; some soften into the sauce while others keep their shape. Baby spinach is folded in near the end so its leaves remain tender and green. The ridges and hollow centres of penne catch the sauce particularly well. A small amount of the pasta's starchy cooking water helps the cheese and cream cling to each piece instead of turning heavy or dry. This approachable recipe works for a weekday lunch, a family supper or a summer meal when tomatoes taste especially ripe. Add fresh basil only when serving to preserve its delicate fragrance.