Party Pasta

Get ready to steal the spotlight at your next gathering with this vibrant and flavorful Party Pasta! This easy-to-make dish combines al dente penne pasta, fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes, colorful bell peppers, and spinach, and is elevated with the bold flavors of Italian seasoning, garlic, and a touch of red pepper flakes. Finished with a generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this crowd-pleasing recipe is as comforting as it is eye-catching. Whether you're hosting friends, preparing a family dinner, or need a potluck dish that wows, this one-skillet pasta wonder comes together in just 35 minutes and serves up cheesy, herby, veggie-packed perfection. Don’t forget the fresh basil garnish for a final touch that makes every bite unforgettable!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz penne pasta
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups bell peppers, diced (mixed colors)
• 3 cups spinach, fresh
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 cup basil leaves (fresh, chopped)
• 8 cups water (for boiling pasta)

Directions

Step 1

Bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the penne pasta, cooking according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the cherry tomatoes and diced bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and release their juices.

Step 4

Stir in the fresh spinach and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.

Step 5

Season the vegetable mixture with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and adjust salt to taste.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked penne pasta, mixing until well combined and the pasta is thoroughly coated with the vegetables and spices.

Step 7

Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss gently to incorporate.

Step 8

Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.

Step 9

Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped basil, and serve warm. Enjoy your Party Pasta!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3923.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3206.1

Total Fat 115.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 44.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.0g
Cholesterol 212mg	0%
Sodium 6219.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 394.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 40.1g	0%
Total Sugars 27.9g
Protein 151.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2820.9mg	0%
Iron 31.0mg	0%
Potassium 5631.9mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.3%

Protein: 18.8%

Carbs: 48.9%