Penne Spinach Goodness

Dive into the creamy, comforting flavors of Penne Spinach Goodness, a quick and easy pasta dish that combines wholesome ingredients for a truly satisfying meal. Tender penne pasta is enveloped in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, perfectly balanced with the earthy richness of fresh spinach and a generous sprinkling of parmesan cheese. This 30-minute recipe is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for busy weeknights or an elegant yet effortless dinner. Customizable with a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, Penne Spinach Goodness is a delightful blend of simplicity and indulgence. Pair it with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that's sure to impress. Keywords: penne pasta recipe, spinach pasta, creamy parmesan sauce, quick dinner ideas, easy spinach recipes.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 count garlic cloves
• 6 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches, stirring frequently until it wilts down completely.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6

Add the grated parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.

Step 7

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately with extra grated parmesan on top if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(881.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2647.4

Total Fat 138.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 68.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 320mg	0%
Sodium 2758.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 259.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.4g	0%
Total Sugars 0.0g
Protein 79.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1067.9mg	0%
Iron 18.4mg	0%
Potassium 732.9mg	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: 47.9%

Protein: 12.2%

Carbs: 39.9%