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Easy Healthy Pasta Dinner Recipes

Easy Healthy Pasta Dinner Recipes
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Ingredients

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  • 12 oz Whole wheat penne or chickpea pasta
  • 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves Garlic, thinly sliced
  • 2 medium Zucchinis, halved and sliced into half-moons
  • 1 pint Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups Fresh baby spinach
  • 1 Lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Boil the Pasta
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your choice of healthy pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, carefully scoop out about one cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot or set it aside in a colander.
  2. Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
    While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Toss in the zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Sauté the vegetables for 5 to 7 minutes until the zucchini is tender-crisp and the tomatoes begin to burst and release their juices.
  3. Step 3: Combine and Emulsify
    Add the cooked pasta and the baby spinach to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the lemon juice and half of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together over low heat until the spinach wilts and the liquid creates a light, glossy sauce that coats the noodles. If the pasta seems too dry, add a splash more of the pasta water.
  4. Step 4: Plating and Garnish
    Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the lemon zest, fresh basil, and salt and pepper to taste. Divide the pasta into four bowls. Top each serving with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and an extra crack of black pepper if desired. Serve immediately while hot and fragrant.

Find it online: https://cooktastydaily.com/easy-healthy-pasta-dinner-recipes/

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