Penne Spinach Goodness
Dive into the creamy, comforting flavors of Penne Spinach Goodness, a quick and easy pasta dish that combines wholesome ingredients for a truly satisfying meal. Tender penne pasta is enveloped in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, perfectly balanced with the earthy richness of fresh spinach and a generous sprinkling of parmesan cheese. This 30-minute recipe is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for busy weeknights or an elegant yet effortless dinner. Customizable with a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, Penne Spinach Goodness is a delightful blend of simplicity and indulgence. Pair it with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that's sure to impress. Keywords: penne pasta recipe, spinach pasta, creamy parmesan sauce, quick dinner ideas, easy spinach recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 count garlic cloves
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches, stirring frequently until it wilts down completely.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
Add the grated parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately with extra grated parmesan on top if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2647 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 138.2 g | 177% | |
| Saturated Fat | 68.3 g | 342% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 320 mg | 107% | |
| Sodium | 2759 mg | 120% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 259.2 g | 94% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.4 g | 62% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.0 g | ||
| Protein | 79.5 g | 159% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1068 mg | 82% | |
| Iron | 18.4 mg | 102% | |
| 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.
