Penne with Spinach and Asiago Cheese
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of Penne with Spinach and Asiago Cheese, a quick and flavorful pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. Tender penne pasta is expertly coated in a rich garlic-infused Asiago cream sauce, balanced by the vibrant earthiness of fresh, wilted baby spinach. A hint of red pepper flakes adds optional heat, while freshly chopped parsley provides a refreshing finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is as simple as it is satisfying. Serve it as a stand-alone entrée or pair it with a crisp side salad and a glass of white wine for an elegant touch. Perfect for lovers of creamy pasta recipes, this one-pan wonder will quickly become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Asiago cheese, finely grated
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and drain the pasta.
In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until it wilts down completely.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Asiago cheese gradually, ensuring it melts smoothly into the sauce.
Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss it with the sauce to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, to loosen it.
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Serve immediately while warm, accompanied by additional grated Asiago cheese on the side if preferred.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
544 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.7 g | 51% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.6 g | 103% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 93 mg | 31% | |
| Sodium | 526 mg | 23% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31.1 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.5 g | ||
| Protein | 11.8 g | 24% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 214 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 2.9 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 99 mg | 2% | |
*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.
