Awesome Penne Spinach Bake: A Creamy Delight for Your Table
If you’re searching for a dish that beautifully marries the earthy flavor of spinach with the hearty texture of pasta, look no further than this Awesome Penne Spinach Bake. This delightful recipe features a creamy sauce that’s rich and velvety, complemented by a crunchy breadcrumb and cheese topping, all baked to golden perfection in your oven. Not only does it come together in less than an hour, but it’s also an excellent way to sneak in some vegetables while indulging in a comforting meal that will please both adults and kids alike.
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Prep Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 55 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Recipe Category | Pasta |
| Rating | 4.5 (12 Reviews) |
| Calories | 660.1 |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Penne pasta | 8 ounces |
| Butter | 1/4 cup |
| Minced garlic cloves | 3-4 cloves |
| Onion (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup |
| Dried thyme | 1/2 – 1 tsp |
| Nutmeg | 1/8 tsp |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Half-and-half cream | 2 1/2 cups |
| Milk | 1/2 – 3/4 cup |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Swiss cheese (grated) | 1 cup |
| Fresh tomatoes (diced) | 1 cup |
| Frozen chopped spinach | 1/4 cup |
| Butter (for topping) | 2-3 tbsp |
| Parmesan cheese (for topping) | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 39.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 23.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 111.6 mg |
| Sodium | 551 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 57 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugars | 2.9 g |
| Protein | 22.1 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin your culinary adventure by setting your oven to 350Ā°F (175Ā°C), allowing it ample time to reach the perfect temperature for baking.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 13″ x 9″ baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent the pasta bake from sticking and to ensure easy serving later on.
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Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil (omit salt for this step). Cook the penne pasta just until it reaches a firm-tender texture according to the package instructionsāthis is crucial as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.
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Create the Cream Sauce: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, add in the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautƩing for approximately 5 minutes until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
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Make the Roux: Sprinkle in the flour, dried thyme, nutmeg, and a touch of black pepper to the mixture. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to cook the flour and create a roux, which will serve as the base for your sauce.
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Add Dairy and Cheese: Gradually whisk in the half-and-half cream, allowing the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. Continue cooking for about 4 minutes until the sauce thickens and bubbles delightfully. Once thickened, stir in the grated Swiss and Parmesan cheeses, mixing over low heat until everything is melted and creamy.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cheese sauce, half a cup of the remaining Swiss cheese, diced tomatoes, and frozen chopped spinach. Stir this mixture well until all ingredients are evenly coated in the luscious cream sauce.
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Assemble the Bake: Transfer the pasta and spinach mixture into the greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
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Prepare the Topping: In a separate small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and a bit of Parmesan cheese. This will create a crunchy topping that adds a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta underneath.
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Top and Bake: Generously sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole, ensuring every inch is covered. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the dish is hot and bubbly.
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Final Touches: Keep in mind that this recipe is designed to be salt-free since the Parmesan cheese contributes a significant amount of saltiness. However, feel free to adjust according to your personal preference, adding salt sparingly to the cream sauce if desired.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This Awesome Penne Spinach Bake makes for a comforting main course, offering both taste and nutrition in every cheesy bite.
This dish is not only a comforting staple for family dinners but also a great choice for gatherings or potlucks. The combination of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and the freshness of spinach will undoubtedly win over hearts and appetites alike. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of a home-cooked meal with this easy-to-follow recipe, and feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins for added flair!
