Giada De Laurentiis's Penne with Spinach Sauce
Elevate your pasta nights with Giada De Laurentiis's Penne with Spinach Sauce—a creamy, vibrant dish that combines simplicity with gourmet flair. This recipe transforms everyday ingredients like baby spinach, ricotta, and Parmesan into a luscious, nutrient-packed sauce that clings perfectly to tender penne pasta. With just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, this quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining. The secret lies in blending sautéed garlic and wilted spinach into a velvety, cheesy mixture, thinned to perfection with reserved pasta water. Serve it hot, garnished with extra Parmesan for a satisfying, flavor-packed dinner that’s as wholesome as it is delicious. Ideal for families, vegetarians, and anyone craving a rich, spinach-infused pasta dish!
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 4 cups baby spinach leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 cup pasta cooking water
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, drain the pasta, and set aside.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 3
Add the garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
Step 4
Add the baby spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
Step 5
Transfer the sautéed spinach and garlic mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
Step 6
Blend the mixture until smooth, adding a small amount of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve a creamy sauce consistency.
Step 7
Return the cooked penne pasta to the pot or a large serving bowl. Pour the spinach sauce over the pasta and toss to coat evenly.
Step 8
If the sauce is too thick, add more of the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 9
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1023.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2184.2 |
| Total Fat 84.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 36.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 230.8mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4038.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 271.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 14.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 0.9g | |
| Protein 105.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1988.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 15.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1421.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories