Pasta with Bitter Greens and Feta
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this vibrant and healthy recipe for Pasta with Bitter Greens and Feta. Perfectly cooked pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, is tossed with tender, sautéed bitter greens like kale or Swiss chard, infusing the dish with earthy, slightly tangy flavors. A hint of heat from red pepper flakes and the brightness of freshly squeezed lemon juice elevate the flavor profile, while creamy, tangy crumbles of feta cheese bring a delightful contrast. With just 10 minutes of prep and a total cook time of 20 minutes, this one-pan meal is ideal for busy evenings, offering a satisfying combination of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Serve it warm, garnished with extra feta or a drizzle of olive oil, for a light yet comforting dinner the whole family will love. Keywords: pasta with bitter greens, feta cheese pasta, quick healthy pasta recipe, vegetarian dinner, easy weeknight pasta.
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Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 6 cups bitter greens (such as kale, Swiss chard, or dandelion greens), chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 0.75 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.5 cup pasta water, reserved
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 3
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Step 4
Add the chopped bitter greens to the skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are wilted and tender.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Step 6
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water. Toss well to combine and coat the pasta in the sauce.
Step 7
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the crumbled feta cheese gently.
Step 8
Serve immediately, garnished with additional feta or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (985.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1259.7 |
| Total Fat 58.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 21.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 94.5mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3101.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 145.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 18.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 12.6g | |
| Protein 46.8g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 978.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 8.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1525.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories