Zesty Penne Pasta Light

Light, flavorful, and bursting with freshness, Zesty Penne Pasta Light is your go-to dish for a quick yet satisfying weeknight meal. This recipe combines tender penne pasta with the vibrant tang of lemon zest and juice, creating a refreshing citrus base that's beautifully complemented by sweet cherry tomatoes and a touch of heat from red chili flakes. A handful of wilted baby spinach adds both nutrients and a pop of color, while freshly grated Parmesan cheese lends a creamy, savory finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Perfectly balanced, it's a guilt-free delight loaded with fresh basil and wholesome ingredients, making it ideal for light lunches, dinner parties, or any occasion when you're craving a flavorful but healthy pasta fix.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 200 grams cherry tomatoes
• 100 grams baby spinach
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 30 grams Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 10 grams fresh basil

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Finely chop the garlic cloves and add them to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being cautious not to burn it.

Step 4

Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their juices.

Step 5

Stir in the red chili flakes, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper. Mix well.

Step 6

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 7

Add the baby spinach and gently fold it into the pasta until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 8

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

Step 9

Garnish the pasta with fresh basil leaves before serving. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	670.6 grams (670.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1358

Total Fat 41.80g	54%
Saturated Fat 9.80g	49%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 27mg	9%
Sodium 2644mg	115%
Total Carbohydrate 203.70g	74%
Dietary Fiber 16.40g	59%
Total Sugars 6.20g
Protein 46.40g	93%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 441mg	34%
Iron 14mg	77%
Potassium 1126mg	24%

*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: 27.3%

Protein: 13.5%

Carbs: 59.2%