Spinach and Penne
Indulge in the creamy, comforting goodness of Spinach and Penne, a quick and wholesome pasta dish that's perfect for busy weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining. This recipe combines perfectly al dente penne pasta with a velvety sauce made from fresh spinach, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, creating a luscious blend of flavors in just 30 minutes. The sautéed spinach adds a vibrant touch of green and a dose of nutrients, while optional red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick for spice lovers. Tossed to perfection, this dish is easy to customize and can be served as a hearty main or a satisfying side. With its minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking process, Spinach and Penne is a crowd-pleaser that balances simplicity with elegance. Ideal for anyone craving a flavorful and creamy pasta recipe!
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Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 units garlic cloves
- 200 grams fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 liters water
Directions
Step 1
Bring 4 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining, then set aside.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, finely mince the garlic cloves.
Step 3
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned.
Step 4
Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet in batches, stirring frequently until wilted. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5
Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir to combine with the sautéed spinach.
Step 6
Mix in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and, if desired, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
Step 7
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta with the spinach cream sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 8
Remove the skillet from heat and taste for seasoning. Adjust with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Step 9
Divide the Spinach and Penne among serving plates, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (4985.0g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2708.7 |
| Total Fat 127.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 60.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 280mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3404.1mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 305.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 19.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 0.7g | |
| Protein 72.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 908.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 20.3mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1977.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories