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Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

A silky garlic cream sauce, a squeeze of lemon and a handful of spinach. A weeknight pasta that tastes like a restaurant dish.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz (340 g) penne
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan plus more to serve
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 4 cups baby spinach
  • Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Salt and black pepper

Method
 

  1. Boil the penne in well-salted water until just al dente. Save a cup of the pasta water, then drain.
  2. Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Cook the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the cream and simmer gently for 3 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan until smooth.
  4. Add the pasta, spinach and a splash of pasta water. Toss until the spinach wilts and the sauce coats the pasta.
  5. Finish with lemon zest, lemon juice and plenty of pepper.

Notes

Best eaten fresh. Loosen leftovers with a splash of milk when reheating.