Smoked Mozzarella and Greens Penne
Elevate your weeknight pasta routine with this irresistible Smoked Mozzarella and Greens Penne, a dish that masterfully balances bold, smoky flavors with wholesome, vibrant greens. Tender al dente penne pasta is tossed with a luscious blend of melted smoked mozzarella cheese, sautéed baby spinach, and earthy kale, delivering a creamy yet nutrient-packed bite in every forkful. Infused with fragrant garlic, a hint of zesty lemon, and a kick of red pepper flakes, this recipe offers a perfect harmony of savory, tangy, and mildly spicy notes. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a quick and satisfying dinner option that feels elevated yet approachable. Serve it as a stand-alone vegetarian meal or pair it with a crisp side salad for a complete feast the whole family will love.
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 8 ounces smoked mozzarella cheese
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 cups pasta cooking water
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 cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, shred the smoked mozzarella and set it aside. Wash the baby spinach and chopped kale, ensuring the greens are clean and ready to use.
Step 3
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4
Add the red pepper flakes to the skillet and stir briefly. Then, add the kale to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly wilted.
Step 5
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until both the spinach and kale are fully wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 6
Season the greens with salt, black pepper, and lemon zest. Stir well to combine.
Step 7
Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked penne to the skillet. Pour in the reserved 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, and toss the pasta with the greens to combine.
Step 8
Sprinkle the shredded smoked mozzarella over the pasta and stir gently until the cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly.
Step 9
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with a pinch of red pepper flakes or extra lemon zest, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1019.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2293.8 |
| Total Fat 84.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 37.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 162.0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4148.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 282.4g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 19.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 1.4g | |
| Protein 102.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 48.6IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1608.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 20.3mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1749.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories