Simple Lemon Arugula Spicy Penne

Simple Lemon Arugula Spicy Penne, an easy penne pasta with fresh arugula and parmesan cheese in a simple garlic and chili infused oil. Ready in only 20 minutes!

Raise your hand if pasta is your comfort food of choice. Both of my hands are in the air because a delicious, decadent plate of pasta is my personal favorite meal when I’m craving something rich and hearty.

However, I truly believe that healthy dinners and pasta dinners don’t have to be mutually exclusive. It is possible to have a bold and flavorful pasta recipes that is also filled with fresh seasonal vegetables and is — most importantly — easy to make.

That’s why I’m sharing my go-to, ready in 20 minutes, vegetable-packed pasta recipe, this Simple Lemon Arugula Spicy Penne. Because you shouldn’t have to decide between easy, healthy, and satisfying.

Are you ready to learn how to make this Simple Lemon Arugula Spicy Penne? Let’s do it!

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How to make Simple Lemon Arugula Spicy Penne

This simple penne pasta with lemon and arugula is one of my favorite easy go-to pasta recipes that comes together in only 20 minutes, which makes it a great option for busy weeknights. Here’s what you’ll do:

1. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, about 9 minutes, then drain and set aside. Make sure to reserve a 1/2 cup pasta water to use for later.
2. While pasta is cooking, infuse the olive oil by heating it in a large pan and crisping the sliced garlic and adding the red chili flakes.
3. When the pasta is done, put it all together: add the penne, arugula, cheese, and a pinch of salt to the pan with infused oil. Add a squeeze of lemon zest, a sprinkle of lemon, and a drizzle of the reserved pasta oil and mixed to combine.

That’s it! An easy, flavorful, and veggie-packed pasta that pairs perfectly it with a simple side salad. Healthy comfort food!

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Simple Lemon Arugula Spicy Penne: Tips, tricks, and tools

This pasta and vegetable recipe is an easy weeknight dinner recipe that comes together in under 20 minutes, but there are some tips and tricks for streamlining preparation.

• Use any vegetables you have in season. Is spinach or asparagus in season? Swap out the arugula for the season’s freshest vegetables.
• Want to make it plant-based? This pasta is delicious even without the cheese, but if you’re craving a vegan alternative try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Make enough for lunch the next day. Double up on this recipe to keep in the fridge for lunches all week, it’s an easy pasta recipe that reheats well.
• Boost the nutrition by choosing a vegetable-based pasta. Swap traditional pasta for a new veggie-based pasta alternative like chickpea, lentil, quinoa, or rice pasta. They’re also gluten-free!

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We hope you love this Simple Lemon Arugula Spicy Penne, its:

• a great choice for busy weeknights because it comes together in only 20 minutes.
• an easy “clean out the fridge” recipe — just toss in those veggies that about to go bad!
• a perfect option for meal prep because this pasta recipe keeps well in the refrigerator and reheats easily.
• a healthier version of classic creamy pastas that packs in fresh vegetables and flavor with minimal ingredients.

Love this simple penne pasta recipe? Check out our other seasonal pasta recipes, like this Pasta with Clams in White Wine Garlic Sauce or Vegan Fusilli Pasta Salad.

Did you make this Simple Lemon Arugula Spicy Penne? Leave a comment below and rate the recipe to let us know how it turned out. Save this pasta recipe for later by pinning to your favorite pasta Pinterest board and make sure to tag me on Fork in the Road’s Instagram to show me your simple pasta creations!

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