Creamy Spiced Penne Pasta with Green Onions
This Creamy Spiced Penne Pasta with Green Onions is a cozy yet elegant Mediterranean-friendly dish. Al dente penne is coated in a silky cream-based sauce infused with warm, gentle spices and finished with fresh green onions for brightness and contrast. The result is rich but balanced, aromatic without heat, and deeply satisfying—perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Serves: 3–4
Ingredients
Pasta
250 g penne pasta
Salt (for boiling water)
Creamy Spiced Sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
3 green onions, finely sliced (white & green parts separated)
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp black pepper
1 cup cooking cream or half-and-half
¼ cup pasta cooking water
Salt, to taste
Optional Mediterranean Add-Ins
2 tbsp grated parmesan or pecorino
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Zest of ½ lemon
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Boil penne in well-salted water until al dente.
Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.
2️⃣ Start the Sauce
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add white parts of green onions and saute 1–2 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and cook until fragrant (30 seconds).
3️⃣ Add Gentle Spices
Stir in paprika, cumin, and black pepper.
Cook 10–15 seconds to bloom the spices (do not burn).
4️⃣ Make It Creamy
Lower heat and add cream plus reserved pasta water.
Simmer gently 2–3 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.
5️⃣ Combine
Add cooked penne to the sauce.
Toss gently until fully coated.
Stir in green parts of green onions.
6️⃣ Finish
Add parmesan and lemon zest if using.
Adjust salt and consistency as needed.
Tips for Best Results
Keep heat low after adding cream to avoid splitting.
Use sweet paprika for warmth without spice.
Green onions at the end keep flavor fresh and bright.
Add a splash of pasta water if sauce thickens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this dish spicy?
No. It uses gentle, warm spices only—no heat.
Q: Can I make it lighter?
Yes. Use evaporated milk or Greek yogurt (stir in off heat).
Q: Can I add protein?
Yes—grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans work beautifully.
Q: Is it vegetarian?
Yes. Skip cheese or use vegetarian parmesan if needed.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~420 kcal
Protein: ~12–15 g
Fat: ~18 g
Carbohydrates: ~48 g
Fiber: ~3 g