Easy Penne Pasta (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 4 cups spinach, fresh and cleaned
02 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
03 - 1 small onion, chopped finely
04 - 1 pound penne pasta, boiled and drained
05 - 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
06 - 1 tablespoon of olive oil
07 - 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
08 - ½ cup heavy cream

→ Seasonings

09 - Salt and pepper, seasoned as you like
10 - 2 bay leaves
11 - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your taste)

→ Toppings

12 - Fresh parsley sprigs, for a pop of color
13 - Shredded parmesan cheese, for serving
14 - 1 cup mozzarella, grated

# Instructions:

01 - Warm olive oil in a big pan over medium heat. Add the bell pepper and onion, letting them cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
02 - Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, then stir for a minute to release the flavors.
03 - Pour in the crushed tomatoes and toss in the bay leaves. Give it a good stir, cover it up, and cook on medium-low heat for around 4-5 minutes.
04 - Take the bay leaves out. Mix in the cream, season lightly with salt and pepper, then add the spinach. Stir, cover, and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the spinach softens.
05 - Throw in the cooked pasta, mozzarella, and fresh parsley. Stir it all together, then remove from heat.
06 - Serve it warm, topped with parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

# Notes:

01 - Cook your pasta until just soft, but slightly firm (al dente).
02 - For best results, use a big pot when bringing all the components together.
03 - Chop the veggies uniformly to ensure they cook evenly.