Baked Penne and Cheese with Spinach Recipe
Description ๐ฝ๏ธ
This baked penne and cheese with spinach dish is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering with friends and family. The addition of spinach not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutritional value, making it a well-rounded meal that everyone will love.
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients ๐
- 3 cups penne pasta
- 6 tbsp butter
- 4 cups chopped onion
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
Nutritional Information ๐
- Calories: 469.8 per serving
- Fat Content: 27.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 17g
- Cholesterol Content: 86.6mg
- Sodium Content: 287.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 42.3g
- Fiber Content: 5.8g
- Sugar Content: 2g
- Protein Content: 15.6g
Instructions ๐
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until it is very al dente, ensuring it’s slightly undercooked. Drain well and toss with a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking. |
| 2 | In a large sautรฉ pan over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped onion and mushrooms, and sautรฉ for about 5 minutes until softened. |
| 3 | Sprinkle flour evenly over the onion and mushroom mixture, stirring until the flour is fully incorporated. |
| 4 | Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture thickens. |
| 5 | Add 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, salt to taste, heavy cream, freshly ground pepper, and ground nutmeg. Cook and stir until the cheese melts completely. |
| 6 | In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta and fresh spinach leaves. Pour the hot cheese sauce over the pasta and spinach mixture, mixing well to combine. |
| 7 | Spoon the mixture into a buttered casserole dish or a buttered 9×13 baking pan. |
| 8 | Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the dish with a lid or foil. |
| 9 | Bake at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for 40 minutes, removing the lid or foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown. |
| 10 | Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this deliciously cheesy and nutritious baked penne and cheese with spinach! |
Whether you’re craving a comforting meal on a chilly winter night or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish to serve at Thanksgiving dinner, this baked penne and cheese with spinach recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests with its rich flavors and creamy texture. So why not give it a try and indulge in a hearty and wholesome meal that’s both delicious and nutritious?
