Garlic and Parsley Penne
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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pennette pasta
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup, finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp coarse sea salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★☆☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
