Mediterranean Spinach Penne with Feta and Pine Nuts
This delightful Mediterranean Spinach Penne dish combines the richness of crumbled feta cheese with the earthy flavor of toasted pine nuts, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Inspired by a beloved meal from an Italian restaurant, this recipe is perfect for both quick weeknight dinners and special occasions. The vibrant green spinach adds color and nutrition, while the blend of cheeses provides a creamy texture that is simply irresistible. Customize the amount of feta to suit your taste and enjoy this wholesome pasta dish with family and friends.
6
Servings
203
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne pasta
1 lb (uncooked)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (for cooking)
fresh garlic
3 cloves (minced)
crumbled feta cheese
8 ounces (for mixing)
shredded parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (not grated)
fresh baby spinach
5 cups (washed and ready)
pine nuts
1/3 cup (toasted)
Instructions
1
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
2. In a small skillet, toast the pine nuts over medium-low heat. Stir frequently for about 1-2 minutes until they are lightly browned and fragrant. Be cautious not to burn them. Remove from heat and set aside.
3
3. In a large, deep skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
4
4. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic and olive oil.
5
5. Stir in the crumbled feta and shredded parmesan cheese, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the feta begins to melt and the pasta is heated through.
6
6. Gently fold in the fresh spinach and continue to cook until it starts to wilt, about 1-2 minutes.
7
7. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the toasted pine nuts, ensuring everything is evenly mixed.
8
8. Transfer the pasta mixture to a serving dish and enjoy warm.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
18g
Carbs
6.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Spinach Penne with Feta and Pine Nuts?
It is a flavorful pasta dish that combines penne, fresh spinach, toasted pine nuts, and a blend of feta and parmesan cheeses for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include penne pasta, olive oil, fresh garlic, crumbled feta cheese, shredded parmesan, fresh baby spinach, and toasted pine nuts.
How do I toast the pine nuts properly?
Toast them in a small skillet over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until lightly browned and fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
Can I use a different type of pasta besides penne?
Yes, while penne is recommended, you can substitute it with other shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
What kind of feta cheese is best for this dish?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of crumbled feta cheese. You can use traditional Greek feta or a milder variety depending on your preference.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 203 calories.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
While the recipe is vegetarian, you can easily add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh baby spinach?
Fresh baby spinach is recommended for the best texture, but if using frozen, ensure it is completely thawed and squeezed dry before adding.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 cloves of fresh garlic, minced.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 10 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 18 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
This recipe provides 6.5 grams of protein per serving.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté the minced garlic for only about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, and ensure your pan is not too hot.
Can I substitute pine nuts with something else?
Yes, toasted slivered almonds or walnuts make excellent substitutes for pine nuts.
Is this dish gluten-free?
No, this recipe uses standard penne pasta which contains gluten. You can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free pasta alternative.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I reheat this pasta dish?
Yes, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may want to add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it from drying out.
What kind of parmesan cheese should I use?
The recipe specifies 3/4 cup of shredded parmesan cheese, rather than the finely grated variety.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the feta and parmesan with plant-based cheese alternatives.
How long should I cook the spinach?
The spinach should be cooked for only 1-2 minutes until it just begins to wilt.
What does it mean to cook pasta al dente?
Al dente means cooking the pasta so it is firm to the bite, rather than soft or mushy.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 3 tablespoons of olive oil for cooking.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
No, this recipe does not contain any added sugar.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a Pasta dish.
Can I use kale instead of spinach?
Yes, but kale is tougher than spinach, so you may need to sauté it for a few extra minutes until it softens.
Does this recipe include dietary fiber information?
The provided nutrition data does not specify the exact fiber count, though spinach and pasta do contribute fiber.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Transfer the pasta to a large serving dish and enjoy it warm immediately after preparation.
Can I prepare the pine nuts in advance?
Yes, you can toast the pine nuts ahead of time and keep them in a small container until you are ready to assemble the dish.