Penne with Spinach and Garlic
Treat your taste buds to the vibrant flavors of Penne with Spinach and Garlic, a simple yet elegant pasta dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. This recipe combines tender penne with a medley of fragrant garlic, nutrient-packed spinach, and a hint of heat from red chili flakes, all tied together with a silky Parmesan finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this wholesome and satisfying meal highlights the beauty of fresh, minimal ingredients. The clever use of reserved pasta water creates a light, flavorful sauce that clings to every piece of pasta, making each bite irresistible. Serve this quick and healthy Italian-inspired dish alongside a crusty baguette or a crisp side salad for a complete, restaurant-quality experience right at home.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 pieces garlic cloves
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 0.5 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup pasta cooking water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
While the pasta is cooking, peel and finely slice the garlic cloves.
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, a handful at a time, and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
Sprinkle the red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper over the spinach mixture, stirring to combine.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a little of the reserved pasta cooking water as needed to create a light sauce that coats the pasta.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss again to combine.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
251 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 10.5 g | 13% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.2 g | 16% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 692 mg | 30% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 29.4 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.6 g | ||
| Protein | 10.1 g | 20% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 165 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 57 mg | 1% | |
*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.
