Party Pasta
Get ready to steal the spotlight at your next gathering with this vibrant and flavorful Party Pasta! This easy-to-make dish combines al dente penne pasta, fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes, colorful bell peppers, and spinach, and is elevated with the bold flavors of Italian seasoning, garlic, and a touch of red pepper flakes. Finished with a generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this crowd-pleasing recipe is as comforting as it is eye-catching. Whether you're hosting friends, preparing a family dinner, or need a potluck dish that wows, this one-skillet pasta wonder comes together in just 35 minutes and serves up cheesy, herby, veggie-packed perfection. Don’t forget the fresh basil garnish for a final touch that makes every bite unforgettable!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups bell peppers, diced (mixed colors)
- 3 cups spinach, fresh
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 cup basil leaves (fresh, chopped)
- 8 cups water (for boiling pasta)
Instructions
Bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the penne pasta, cooking according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the cherry tomatoes and diced bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and release their juices.
Stir in the fresh spinach and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.
Season the vegetable mixture with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and adjust salt to taste.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked penne pasta, mixing until well combined and the pasta is thoroughly coated with the vegetables and spices.
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss gently to incorporate.
Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped basil, and serve warm. Enjoy your Party Pasta!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3206 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 115.8 g | 148% | |
| Saturated Fat | 44.0 g | 220% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 212 mg | 71% | |
| Sodium | 6219 mg | 270% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 394.4 g | 143% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 40.1 g | 143% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.9 g | ||
| Protein | 151.8 g | 304% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2821 mg | 217% | |
| Iron | 31.0 mg | 172% | |
| Potassium | 5632 mg | 120% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
