Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that perfectly blends creamy Brie cheese, vibrant spinach, and tangy artichokes all wrapped in al dente penne pasta! Our Lemony Spinach and Artichoke Brie Penne Pasta is not just another Italian recipe; it's a culinary masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal. With just 40 minutes from prep to plate, this dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive gathering with friends. Dive into this delightful recipe that promises to brighten your table and leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 8 oz Brie cheese, rind removed and chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, prepare the ingredients: Remove Brie rind and chop cheese into small cubes. Drain and chop artichoke hearts. Mince garlic cloves. Zest and juice the lemon.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
- Add chopped artichoke hearts to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to low and add drained pasta to the skillet. Gently fold in fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt slightly.
- Add chopped Brie cheese and stir slowly, allowing cheese to melt and create a creamy sauce. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
- Sprinkle lemon zest and drizzle lemon juice over the pasta. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss all ingredients together until pasta is evenly coated and cheese is completely melted. Remove from heat.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls. Optional: Garnish with additional lemon zest or fresh cracked pepper if desired.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Always cook your penne pasta until it's al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Remember to reserve some pasta water; it’s a game-changer for adjusting sauce consistency!
- Cheese Matters: For the best results, use a high-quality Brie cheese. The creaminess of the Brie is what makes this dish shine, so don’t skimp on the good stuff!
- Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh spinach and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Fresh ingredients elevate the flavors and make your dish taste restaurant-quality.
- Garlic Sauté: Be careful when sautéing the garlic; it should be fragrant but not browned. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to your dish.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes or peas for added color and flavor. This dish is versatile and can be tailored to your preferences!
- Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of extra lemon zest or freshly cracked pepper on top before serving can add a beautiful finishing touch and enhance the flavors.
- Serve Warm: This dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking while the cheese is still melty and the pasta is warm.Follow these tips, and you’ll create a delicious and visually stunning pasta dish that everyone will love!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 540kcal
Carbohydrates: 54g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 60mg
