Garlic and Parsley Penne

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant pasta dish with fresh herbs and garlic, finished with a hint of lemon for brightness. This italian-inspired pasta (gluten-free) ready in about 27 minutes pairs pennette pasta, extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot; add 1 tsp salt and 12 oz pennette pasta. Cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, stirring constantly.
  3. Step 3: Add drained pasta, 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1/2 cup chopped parsley, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta evenly and appears glossy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic and Parsley Penne take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Garlic and Parsley Penne?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pennette pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic and Parsley Penne?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Garlic and Parsley Penne for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Garlic and Parsley Penne gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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