Penne with Spinach and Feta
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this vibrant and flavorful Penne with Spinach and Feta recipe—a Mediterranean-inspired dish that's as easy to make as it is delicious! Al dente penne pasta is tossed with sautéed garlic, tender baby spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes, creating a fresh and colorful base. A zesty twist of lemon juice and zest brightens every bite, while creamy crumbled feta cheese adds the perfect touch of tangy decadence. With a hint of optional red pepper flakes for subtle heat, this 30-minute meal is a satisfying blend of wholesome ingredients and bold flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this vegetarian pasta dish is a delightful balance of simplicity and sophistication.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pieces garlic cloves
- 150 grams baby spinach
- 100 grams feta cheese, crumbled
- 200 grams cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set 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 the garlic for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
Stir in the cooked penne pasta, reserved pasta cooking water, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss gently to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the pasta. Toss gently again to distribute the cheese evenly.
Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve warm, garnished with extra feta cheese or a wedge of lemon if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2037 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 57.3 g | 73% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.4 g | 92% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 83 mg | 28% | |
| Sodium | 3540 mg | 154% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 314.5 g | 114% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.4 g | 76% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.3 g | ||
| Protein | 70.0 g | 140% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 649 mg | 50% | |
| Iron | 20.9 mg | 116% | |
| Potassium | 1402 mg | 30% | |
*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.
