Welcome to a delightful culinary journey where simplicity meets flavor! Our "Spring Penne Pasta with Light Butter Sauce" is the perfect dish to celebrate the vibrant tastes of the season. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, this Italian-inspired recipe transforms ordinary penne into a mouthwatering meal that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. Imagine twirling perfectly cooked pasta coated in a silky butter sauce, punctuated by juicy cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into the recipe that will elevate your dinner table in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes and prepare the fresh spinach leaves.
- In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat, being careful not to brown the butter.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the melted butter, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring to combine and slightly wilt the spinach.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and gently toss. If the sauce seems too dry, add a little reserved pasta water to create a light, silky texture.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Always add a generous pinch of salt to your boiling water; it enhances the pasta's flavor. Cook the penne until al dente for the best texture.
- Butter Care: When melting the unsalted butter, keep the heat low to avoid browning. This ensures a rich, creamy sauce without any burnt flavors.
- Pasta Water Magic: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta cooking water! This starchy liquid is your secret weapon for achieving a light and silky sauce.
- Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes. They add a burst of color and nutrients to your dish.
- Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference, and feel free to add extra Parmesan for a cheesy finish.
- Serving Style: Serve immediately in warm bowls to keep the pasta at the perfect temperature. A sprinkle of additional Parmesan on top adds a lovely finishing touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 54g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 40mg
