- 1/2 (1 pound) package whole wheat penne
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups fat-free half-and-half
- 1 cup fat-free milk
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian-style diced tomatoes
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil. Stir in penne and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes; drain. Transfer pasta to a large bowl.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir onion and garlic in hot oil until browned, 7 to 10 minutes.
- Melt butter in another skillet over medium heat; cook and stir flour in melted butter until lightly golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Gradually whisk half-and-half and milk into flour mixture until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning into cream sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in tomatoes, spinach, and onion mixture; simmer until heated through.
- Pour vegetable sauce over pasta and toss to coat.