One-Pot Garlic Butter Penne with Spinach and Parmesan
A quick one-pot penne pasta cooked with garlic, spinach, and Parmesan cheese for a creamy, comforting weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and add 12 oz penne pasta along with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Step 4: Stir in 5 oz fresh spinach and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, cooking for 2 more minutes until spinach wilts and cheese melts into the sauce. If desired, sprinkle 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for a mild kick before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Garlic Butter Penne with Spinach and Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (5 min prep + 20 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 One-Pot Garlic Butter Penne with Spinach and Parmesan?
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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Garlic Butter Penne with Spinach and Parmesan?
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 One-Pot Garlic Butter Penne with Spinach and Parmesan 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 One-Pot Garlic Butter Penne with Spinach and Parmesan vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
