Description
This delicious and nutritious Pasta with Spinach and Feta Cheese is a quick Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining al dente penne pasta with fresh spinach, tangy feta cheese, and fragrant garlic, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The addition of Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and fresh parsley enhances the freshness and zest, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cooking Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
Cheese and Flavorings
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Spinach: Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and tender.
- Season: Season the spinach with salt, black pepper, and, if desired, red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Stir well to combine the flavors.
- Toss Pasta: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the spinach. Pour in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water and toss everything together thoroughly to combine and loosen the sauce.
- Add Cheese and Lemon: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in crumbled feta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon juice to add creaminess and brightness to the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta for a fresh, herbaceous finish. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Substitute whole wheat pasta for added fiber and a nuttier flavor.
- For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese during the cheese addition step.
- Boost protein by adding grilled chicken or shrimp when tossing the pasta.
- You can omit red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder dish.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Adjust salt according to the saltiness of your feta cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
