Pasta with Bitter Greens and Feta
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this vibrant and healthy recipe for Pasta with Bitter Greens and Feta. Perfectly cooked pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, is tossed with tender, sautéed bitter greens like kale or Swiss chard, infusing the dish with earthy, slightly tangy flavors. A hint of heat from red pepper flakes and the brightness of freshly squeezed lemon juice elevate the flavor profile, while creamy, tangy crumbles of feta cheese bring a delightful contrast. With just 10 minutes of prep and a total cook time of 20 minutes, this one-pan meal is ideal for busy evenings, offering a satisfying combination of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Serve it warm, garnished with extra feta or a drizzle of olive oil, for a light yet comforting dinner the whole family will love. Keywords: pasta with bitter greens, feta cheese pasta, quick healthy pasta recipe, vegetarian dinner, easy weeknight pasta.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 6 cups bitter greens (such as kale, Swiss chard, or dandelion greens), chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 0.75 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.5 cup pasta water, reserved
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Add the chopped bitter greens to the skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are wilted and tender.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water. Toss well to combine and coat the pasta in the sauce.
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the crumbled feta cheese gently.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional feta or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
342 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.8 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.8 g | 29% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 25 mg | 8% | |
| Sodium | 763 mg | 33% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 42.7 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.7 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.0 g | ||
| Protein | 15.2 g | 30% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 422 mg | 32% | |
| Iron | 4.3 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 733 mg | 16% | |
*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.
