Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience with this mouthwatering Italian pasta dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds! Imagine twirling your fork into perfectly cooked penne, surrounded by tender baby spinach, earthy mushrooms, and briny black olives - all kissed with a hint of garlic and Parmesan. This recipe isn't just a meal; it's a culinary journey that brings the warmth of Italy right to your dining table in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
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, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and start to brown slightly.
- Drain the cooked pasta in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with mushrooms. Toss to combine and coat the pasta with the garlic and olive oil.
- Stir in the baby spinach and sliced black olives. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spinach begins to wilt.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the combination of tender pasta, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach.
Tips
- Salt is Your Friend: Use generously salted water when boiling pasta to enhance its flavor from the inside out.
- Al Dente is Key: Cook pasta just until it's tender but still has a slight bite - this ensures the perfect texture.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save a bit of starchy pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce.
- Don't Overcrowd the Skillet: Sauté mushrooms in batches if needed to ensure they brown properly instead of steam.
- Timing Matters: Add spinach at the last moment to keep it vibrant and prevent wilting.
- Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference: Use fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan for the most authentic flavor.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the pan to the plate!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 5mg
