Penne with Spinach, Raisins and Toasted Garlic

This one-pot pasta dish features a Sicilian combination of salty, sweet and sour elements. It’s garnished with slices of crisp, toasted garlic, but the sweet, nutty allium flavor is an undercurrent throughout because the olive oil used for frying the garlic also is used to sauté the spinach. Raisins plumped in wine vinegar dot the pasta, adding bursts of tangy-sweet flavor that complement the savoriness of the cheese

Good

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

1. In a small microwave-safe bowl, stir together the raisins and the vinegar. Microwave on high until the raisins are heated through, about 1 minute; set aside.

Step 2

2. In a large pot, bring 2 quarts water to a boil. Add the pasta and 1 tablespoon salt, then cook, stirring occasionally, until the penne is al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the cooking water, then drain.

Step 3

3. In the same pot over medium, combine the oil and garlic; cook, stirring, until the garlic is golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and, using a slotted spoon, transfer the garlic to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4

4. To the oil remaining in the pot, add the spinach and pepper flakes; cook over medium, stirring, just until the spinach is wilted, about 1 minute. Add the pasta, the raisins and any vinegar remaining in the bowl, ½ cup of the reserved pasta water, ½ cup cheese and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until the ingredients are well combined and the pasta is very lightly sauced, about 1 minute; add more water as needed if the mixture looks dry. Stir in the remaining cheese.

Step 5

5. Off heat, taste and season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with additional oil and sprinkle with the toasted garlic. Serve with the additional cheese on the side.

Step 6

Optional garnish: Toasted pine nuts OR toasted sliced almonds

Step 7

Don’t forget to reserve about 1 cup of the cooking water before draining the pasta. You’ll need some of the water to toss with the penne, spinach and raisins to loosen up the mixture and lightly sauce the noodles.