Spinach-feta Penne With Pine Nuts

I developed this recipe after having something similar at an Italian restaurant. My husband loves it! The pine nuts really add a special element of flavor. Adjust the amount of feta cheese to your own tastes; I happen to like a lot in this dish.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1  lb penne pasta
• 3  tablespoons olive oil
• 3  cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 8  ounces  crumbled feta cheese
• 3⁄4 cup  shredded parmesan cheese (not grated)
• 5  cups  fresh  Baby Spinach
• 1⁄3 cup pine nuts

Directions

1. Cook penne pasta according to package directions.
2. As pasta is cooking, toast pine nuts lightly in a small skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.
3. Remove pine nuts from heat when lightly browned, after about 1-2 minutes.
4. Set aside pine nuts.
5. Drain cooked pasta and set aside.
6. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or wok.
7. Add garlic and saute over medium heat for about 30 seconds, being careful not to let garlic brown.
8. Stir in cooked pasta.
9. Stir in feta and Parmesan cheese and cook for a 2-3 minutes, until feta cheese just starts to melt and pasta and cheese is thoroughly heated through.
10. Stir in spinach and continue to heat until spinach barely starts to wilt.
11. Take pasta off heat and stir in the toasted pine nuts.
12. Transfer to serving dish and serve.