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Blushing Penne Pasta

Blushing Penne Pasta is a perfect way to use fresh thyme and basil from the garden. It is saucy and creamy perfect for a summer meal.

I prefer to cook with wine versus broth. If you have never cooked with wine before make sure you use a bottle you enjoy drinking. The flavors from the wine will really transform the sauce. You can make this dish with either red or white wine. I prefer white wine for this sauce. 

I found this recipe in my Taste of Home Light and Tasty 2007 Annual Recipes Cookbook. 

Cost Per Serving NO wine $2.00 as of April 2022

If you have zero ingredients and cook with broth this recipe will cost about $15.95.

If you have a fully stocked pantry this recipe will cost about $10.81.

  • Cost per serving reduces to $1.35.

I am assuming you have salt and pepper and do not add it into the recipe total cost.

Cost Per Serving WITH wine $3.16 as of April 2022

If you have zero ingredients and cook with wine then this recipe will cost about $25.27.

If you have a fully stocked pantry this recipe will cost about $20.13.

  • Cost per serving reduces to $2.52.

I am assuming you have salt and pepper and do not add it into the recipe total cost.

Stove Top

Recipe serves: 8

Equipment needed: 1 pot for pasta and 1 deep sauté pan.

Cook time: 30 minutes

Equipment

Let's grocery shop!

I am assuming you have salt and pepper. It is not included in pantry and spices. If you have a fully stocked pantry you will have a savings of about $5.14.

Pantry & Spices

Total: $5.14 as of April 2022

  • 1 pound butter $3.58
  • 1 bag of flour 5 pounds $1.56

Grocery

Total with WINE: $20.80 as of April 2022

Total with BROTH: $10.81 as of April 2022

  • 1 onion $0.62
  • 1 bunch fresh thyme $1.98
  • 1 bunch fresh basil $1.98
  • 1 box penne pasta 16 oz $0.92
  • 1 can tomato paste 6 oz $0.62
  • 1 container half and half 16 oz $1.28
  • 1 tub shredded parmesan cheese $2.74
  • 1 can of vegetable broth 14.5 oz $0.67

    Don't buy broth if you are cooking with wine.

  • 1 bottle white wine $9.99

    If you are cooking with wine. Make sure it is one you enjoy drinking.

Let's prep!

Let's cook!

  1. Complete prep from prep tab above
  2. Put on a pot of water to boil for pasta. Cook to al dente.

  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter on medium-low heat. Add onion and ½ teaspoon of salt then sauté for about 8 – 10 minutes.

  4. Add 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, basil and 1/2 teaspoon of salt stir to combine.

  5. Add 1 cup cream, wine and tomato paste and stir for 2 – 3 minutes.

  6. Slowly stir in flour slurry and bring the sauce to a light boil. Continue to stir until thickened 2-5 minutes.

  7. Add ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese.

  8. Add the cooked noodles to the pasta sauce. Top with cheese.  

This recipe can also be found in Weekly Dinners for 4 under $100 – Menu 3

Side Options

Garlic Parmesan Bread

Tomato Cucumber Salad

Side Salad

Vegetable such as broccoli, green beans, squash, etc.

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