Spinach Feta Penne with Pine Nuts
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this Spinach Feta Penne with Pine Nuts—a Mediterranean-inspired dish that is as flavorful as it is simple to prepare. Tender penne pasta is tossed with sautéed garlic, wilted baby spinach, and creamy crumbled feta, creating a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors. Toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch, while a splash of fresh lemon juice brightens every bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for busy days but elegant enough for entertaining. Serve it warm, garnished with extra feta and pine nuts for a visually stunning, restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to impress.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 0.25 cup pine nuts
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain the pasta, and set aside.
In a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, toast the pine nuts until they are golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked penne pasta. Add the reserved pasta water (a little at a time) to loosen the mixture to your desired consistency.
Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Remove from heat and taste, adjusting seasoning if necessary.
Serve warm, garnishing with additional feta and pine nuts if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2396 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 109.2 g | 140% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.6 g | 198% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 14.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 200 mg | 67% | |
| Sodium | 3848 mg | 167% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 273.8 g | 100% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.3 g | 65% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.6 g | ||
| Protein | 85.7 g | 171% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1313 mg | 101% | |
| Iron | 21.8 mg | 121% | |
| Potassium | 1101 mg | 23% | |
*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.
