Penne with Spinach and Garlic

Treat your taste buds to the vibrant flavors of Penne with Spinach and Garlic, a simple yet elegant pasta dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. This recipe combines tender penne with a medley of fragrant garlic, nutrient-packed spinach, and a hint of heat from red chili flakes, all tied together with a silky Parmesan finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this wholesome and satisfying meal highlights the beauty of fresh, minimal ingredients. The clever use of reserved pasta water creates a light, flavorful sauce that clings to every piece of pasta, making each bite irresistible. Serve this quick and healthy Italian-inspired dish alongside a crusty baguette or a crisp side salad for a complete, restaurant-quality experience right at home.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 pieces garlic cloves
• 6 cups fresh spinach
• 0.5 tsp red chili flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup pasta cooking water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, peel and finely slice the garlic cloves.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, a handful at a time, and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.

Step 5

Sprinkle the red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper over the spinach mixture, stirring to combine.

Step 6

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a little of the reserved pasta cooking water as needed to create a light sauce that coats the pasta.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss again to combine.

Step 8

Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(843.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1702.0

Total Fat 46.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 40mg	0%
Sodium 3184.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 262.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.5g	0%
Total Sugars 0.0g
Protein 63.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 636.9mg	0%
Iron 18.7mg	0%
Potassium 758.3mg	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: 24.2%

Protein: 14.8%

Carbs: 61.0%