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Penne Rustica with a Kick

Penne Rustica with a Kick

tossed with Green Beans & topped with Crispy Panko
Recipe Development Team
Recipe Development TeamUpdated on July 09, 2026
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Calories
790 kcal
Protein
19g protein
Total
25 minutes
Difficulty
Medium
Allergens:
  • Milk
  • Wheat
  • Tree Nuts

The week just isn’t complete without at least one pasta night. If you agree, you’re in luck! Our chefs put together a dish that’s sure to curb the most ferocious of carb cravings. In this recipe you’ll find penne studded with tender asparagus, fresh tomatoes, and swirls of garlic herb butter. The dreamy dish is finished off with a sprinkle of Parmesan and your new secret culinary weapon: an almond, chili, and lemon panko topping. It’s so delicious and easy to whip up, don’t be surprised when you find yourself making this meal on repeat.

Produced in a facility that processes eggs, milk, fish, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat.
Serving amount

8 ounce

Green Beans

ounce

Asparagus

2 tablespoon

Cream Cheese

(Contains: Milk)

1 unit

Lemon

6 ounce

Penne Pasta

(Contains: Wheat)

3 tablespoon

Parmesan Cheese

(Contains: Milk)

2 tablespoon

Garlic Herb Butter

(Contains: Milk)

1 unit

Tomato

¼ cup

Panko Breadcrumbs

(Contains: Wheat)

1 teaspoon

Chili Flakes

2 unit

Scallions

½ ounce

Sliced Almonds

(Contains: Tree Nuts)

Not included in your delivery

teaspoon (tsp)

Salt

3 teaspoon (tsp)

Olive Oil

2 tablespoon (tbsp)

Butter

(Contains: Milk)

teaspoon (tsp)

Black Pepper

per serving
Calories790 kcal
Fat41 g
Saturated Fat18 g
Carbohydrate86 g
Sugar10 g
Dietary Fiber9 g
Protein19 g
Cholesterol75 mg
Sodium260 mg
Trans Fat1 g
Potassium680 mg
Calcium210 mg
Iron3.8 mg
Due to the different suppliers we purchase our products from, nutritional facts per meal can vary from the website to what is received in the delivered box, depending on your region.
Large Pot
Strainer
Zester
Small Bowl
Large Pan

Cooking Steps

Cook Pasta
1
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

  • Once boiling, add penne to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, 9-11 minutes.

  • Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water (1 cup for 4 servings), then drain.

Prep & Make Topping
2
  • Meanwhile, wash and dry produce.

  • Zest and quarter lemon. Trim and discard woody bottom ends from asparagus; cut stalks crosswise into 1-inch-long pieces. Dice tomato. Trim and thinly slice scallions, separating whites from greens.

  • Melt 1 TBSP plain butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add panko and almonds; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until golden brown, 3-4 minutes.

  • Turn off heat. Stir in a pinch of lemon zest and a pinch of chili flakes. Transfer to a small bowl.

Cook Veggies
3
  • Heat a drizzle of olive oil in same pan over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and cook, stirring often, until bright green and tender, 2-4 minutes.

  • Add tomato and cook, stirring, until slightly softened, 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Toss Pasta
4
  • Add drained penne, garlic herb butter, cream cheese, half the Parmesan (save the rest for serving), and ⅓ cup reserved pasta cooking water (½ cup for 4 servings) to pan with veggies; stir until thoroughly combined. Season with salt and pepper.

Finish Pasta
5
  • Add scallion whites, remaining lemon zest, 1 TBSP plain butter (2 TBSP for 4 servings), and as many remaining chili flakes as you like to pan with pasta. Cook, stirring, until everything is thoroughly coated in sauce, 1-2 minutes. TIP: If needed, stir in more reserved pasta cooking water a splash at a time.

  • Turn off heat; stir in a squeeze of lemon juice to taste. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Serve
6
  • Divide pasta between bowls. Sprinkle with panko mixture and remaining Parmesan. Add a drizzle of olive oil over bowls.

  • Garnish with scallion greens and serve with remaining lemon wedges on the side.

Customer reviews

Review summary

Updated on Dec 2025
  • Flavor: The flavors were good, with a nice mix of vegetables and pasta.
  • Suggestions: Consider adding shrimp or chicken for extra protein if desired.
  • Portions: Some found the meal light on protein; adding meat or seafood could make it more filling.
AI-generated from customer reviews

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