Spinach Corn Pasta in Creamy White Sauce Recipe
This creamy, delicious Spinach Corn Pasta in White Sauce is a perfect weeknight dinner, packed with the freshness of spinach, sweetness of corn, and richness of a creamy white sauce. The comforting combination of pasta, veggies, and a smooth, well-seasoned sauce makes it a delightful dish for anyone looking to enjoy Italian-inspired vegetarian cuisine.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Penne pasta | 300 grams |
| Spinach (finely chopped) | 200 grams |
| Sweet corn kernels | 1/2 cup |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Red chilli flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion (roughly chopped) | 1 large |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Whole wheat flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Black pepper powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt (to taste) | As required |
Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
40 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Cuisine
Italian
Course
Dinner
Diet
Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
To begin making the Spinach Corn Pasta in Creamy White Sauce, start by boiling the pasta. In a large pot, add plenty of water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add a teaspoon of salt and then the penne pasta. Let the pasta cook for 12-15 minutes, or until al dente. Once the pasta is done, drain the water and rinse it under cold running water to halt the cooking process. Drizzle a little oil over the pasta to prevent it from sticking, and toss it to coat evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the White Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, start preparing the creamy white sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the milk, whole wheat flour, black pepper powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture until there are no lumps.
Now, in a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing them for a few minutes until the onions are softened and you can smell the wonderful aromas. Once softened, pour the milk mixture into the pan with the onions and garlic. Stir continuously to ensure the sauce doesn’t form lumps and thickens evenly. Let the sauce cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a creamy, smooth consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water, extra milk, or even a splash of cream to adjust the texture. Once the sauce is ready, turn off the heat and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Spinach and Corn
In a wok or large frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sweet corn, cooking them together for about a minute, just until the spinach wilts down. Stir occasionally to ensure the spinach is evenly cooked.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Sauce, Spinach, and Corn
Once the spinach and corn are cooked, add the drained pasta to the wok with the spinach and corn. Stir the ingredients together to combine.
When you’re ready to serve, pour the prepared white sauce over the spinach-corn-pasta mixture and toss everything gently in the wok until the sauce is well incorporated with the pasta. Check the seasoning and adjust with more salt, black pepper, or chili flakes as needed.
Step 5: Serve
For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle red chilli flakes and dried oregano over the pasta just before serving. This will enhance the overall taste with a subtle heat and aromatic herbiness.
Serve your Spinach Corn Pasta in Creamy White Sauce alongside a light and creamy broccoli soup and garlic bread with herb butter for a satisfying and balanced meal.
Tips for Best Results
- Pasta choice: While penne works wonderfully in this dish, feel free to use other types of pasta like fusilli, farfalle, or spaghetti for variety.
- Make it richer: For a more indulgent sauce, add a dollop of heavy cream or a handful of grated parmesan cheese to the white sauce.
- Customize the veggies: You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas to the pasta for extra flavor and color.
- Store leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture.
This Spinach Corn Pasta in Creamy White Sauce recipe is not only easy to make but also a treat to the taste buds, with its velvety sauce and vibrant veggies. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, it’s sure to be a hit!
