Zesty Penne Pasta Light
Light, flavorful, and bursting with freshness, Zesty Penne Pasta Light is your go-to dish for a quick yet satisfying weeknight meal. This recipe combines tender penne pasta with the vibrant tang of lemon zest and juice, creating a refreshing citrus base that's beautifully complemented by sweet cherry tomatoes and a touch of heat from red chili flakes. A handful of wilted baby spinach adds both nutrients and a pop of color, while freshly grated Parmesan cheese lends a creamy, savory finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Perfectly balanced, it's a guilt-free delight loaded with fresh basil and wholesome ingredients, making it ideal for light lunches, dinner parties, or any occasion when you're craving a flavorful but healthy pasta fix.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 200 grams cherry tomatoes
- 100 grams baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 30 grams Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 10 grams fresh basil
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Finely chop the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being cautious not to burn it.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their juices.
Stir in the red chili flakes, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper. Mix well.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Add the baby spinach and gently fold it into the pasta until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss gently to combine.
Garnish the pasta with fresh basil leaves before serving. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1358 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.8 g | 54% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.8 g | 49% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 27 mg | 9% | |
| Sodium | 2644 mg | 115% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 203.7 g | 74% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.4 g | 59% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.2 g | ||
| Protein | 46.4 g | 93% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 441 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 13.9 mg | 77% | |
| Potassium | 1126 mg | 24% | |
*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.
