Penne with Spinach and Asiago Cheese

Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of Penne with Spinach and Asiago Cheese, a quick and flavorful pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. Tender penne pasta is expertly coated in a rich garlic-infused Asiago cream sauce, balanced by the vibrant earthiness of fresh, wilted baby spinach. A hint of red pepper flakes adds optional heat, while freshly chopped parsley provides a refreshing finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is as simple as it is satisfying. Serve it as a stand-alone entrée or pair it with a crisp side salad and a glass of white wine for an elegant touch. Perfect for lovers of creamy pasta recipes, this one-pan wonder will quickly become a family favorite!

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 unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Asiago cheese, finely grated
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and drain the pasta.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3

Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until it wilts down completely.

Step 4

Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Asiago cheese gradually, ensuring it melts smoothly into the sauce.

Step 5

Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 6

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss it with the sauce to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, to loosen it.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Step 8

Serve immediately while warm, accompanied by additional grated Asiago cheese on the side if preferred.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1008.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2987.2

Total Fat 174.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 90.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 402mg	0%
Sodium 2252.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 265.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.8g	0%
Total Sugars 0.1g
Protein 77.3g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 1067.4mg	0%
Iron 21.4mg	0%
Potassium 881.0mg	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: 53.3%

Protein: 10.5%

Carbs: 36.1%