Baked Pasta Recipe with Spinach and Artichoke
Experience a deliciously creamy baked pasta dish that combines the vibrant flavors of spinach and artichokes, perfect for a comforting dinner. This recipe is not only vegetarian but also showcases a delightful mix of textures and tastes, making it a crowd-pleaser for family meals or gatherings. Pair it with a crusty side like Rustic Rosemary Garlic Zucchini Bread for an unforgettable dining experience.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Penne pasta | 200 grams |
| Butter | 1/8 cup |
| Black olives | 1/4 cup, sliced |
| Spinach | 2 bunches, chopped |
| Artichokes | 5 – 6, roughly chopped |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, grated |
| All-Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1/8 cup |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Feta Cheese | 50 grams, or other soft cheese |
| Dried Oregano | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | to taste |
| Pepper | to taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 320 |
| Protein | 12 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 38 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 grams |
| Total Fat | 15 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 7 grams |
| Cholesterol | 30 mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Servings: 4
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by greasing a small square baking dish with butter. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) to prepare for baking the pasta.
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Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches the al-dente stage, ensuring not to overcook as it may become mushy during baking. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
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Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and grated garlic, sautéing until the onion turns soft and translucent, but not browned. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for about one minute to create a roux.
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Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while continuing to whisk. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and stir consistently until the sauce thickens, which should take about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat once thickened.
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Combine Ingredients: Whisk the feta cheese into the sauce until melted and smooth. In the greased baking dish, layer the cooked penne pasta evenly. Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta, ensuring all the pasta is well coated. Add the sliced black olives, chopped spinach, and artichokes, then season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano to taste. Gently toss to combine everything evenly.
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Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and a light brown crust forms on top.
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Serve: Allow the baked pasta to cool for a few moments before serving. For a delightful dinner, enjoy the Baked Pasta with Spinach and Artichoke warm, paired with toasted Rustic Rosemary Garlic Zucchini Bread for added flavor and texture.
Cooking Tips
- Pasta Cooking: Always cook the pasta to al-dente as it will continue to cook while baking.
- Cheese Alternatives: Feel free to substitute the feta cheese with any other soft cheese of your choice, such as ricotta or cream cheese, for different flavors.
- Add More Veggies: You can customize this recipe by adding more vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
This Baked Pasta Recipe with Spinach and Artichoke is a heartwarming meal that will surely delight your taste buds. Enjoy this Italian-inspired dish that brings together simplicity and deliciousness on your dinner table.
