Penne with Spinach and Garlic

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons almonds chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 0.3 teaspoon ground pepper 
• 2 teaspoons juice of lemon 
• 2 teaspoons olive oil divided
• 3.3 cups penne pasta uncooked
• 1 cup purple onion sliced ( 1 medium)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt 
• 3 cups tightly spinach leaves fresh washed packed trimmed thinly sliced ()

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Reserve 3 tablespoons pasta water; drain pasta.
2. Combine reserved pasta water, 1 teaspoon olive oil, and lemon juice in a small bowl; set aside.
3. While pasta cooks, place a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
4. Add almonds and cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes or until toasted. Set almonds aside.
5. Coat skillet with cooking spray; add remaining 1 teaspoon oil. Return to medium-high heat until oil is hot.
6. Cut onion slices in half; add onion and garlic to skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, 4 minutes or until tender.
7. Add spinach, and cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes; stir in almonds, salt, and pepper. Stir in reserved pasta water mixture.
8. Add pasta, and toss gently.
9. Serve immediately.