Spinach-feta Penne With Pine Nuts

HollyJane's Note:

I developed this recipe after having something similar at an Italian restaurant. My husband loves it! The pine nuts really add a special element of flavor. Adjust the amount of feta cheese to your own tastes; I happen to like a lot in this dish.

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 8 ounces crumbled feta cheese
• 3/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese (not grated)
• 5 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1/3 cup pine nuts

Directions:

1. Cook penne pasta according to package directions.
2. As pasta is cooking, toast pine nuts lightly in a small skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.
3. Remove pine nuts from heat when lightly browned, after about 1-2 minutes.
4. Set aside pine nuts.
5. Drain cooked pasta and set aside.
6. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or wok.
7. Add garlic and saute over medium heat for about 30 seconds, being careful not to let garlic brown.
8. Stir in cooked pasta.
9. Stir in feta and Parmesan cheese and cook for a 2-3 minutes, until feta cheese just starts to melt and pasta and cheese is thoroughly heated through.
10. Stir in spinach and continue to heat until spinach barely starts to wilt.
11. Take pasta off heat and stir in the toasted pine nuts.
12. Transfer to serving dish and serve.

Reviews

[windhorse23]

Yum, yum, yum!This was incredibly easy to make and it was way better than I expected. I didn't use a full pound of pasta, as these days the packages are more like 13 oz. I cut down on the parmesan a little and my feta was low fat. Wonderful dinner, and one I will make again. Thank you Holly Jane.

[Erineight]

I had to use grated parmesan as it was all I had on hand. I might add a bit more feta next time. Easy and very tasty

[Charmie777]

This was very good. I added just a touch of cream to thin it out. Yumm!