AWESOME PENNE SPINACH BAKE

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Awesome Penne Spinach Bake image

Spinach and pasta mixed with the most delicious cream sauce, topped of with a breadcrumb/cheese topping, then baked in the oven. Your gonna love this one! Prep time includes boiling the pasta.

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Penne

Time 55m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

8 ounces penne pasta, uncooked (spiral pasta may be used instead of penne)
1/4 cup butter
3 -4 fresh minced garlic cloves (I use lots of garlic!)
1/4 cup onion, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup flour
1/2-1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
black pepper
2 1/2 cups half-and-half cream or 2 1/2 cups milk
1/2-3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups grated swiss cheese, divided
1 large tomatoes, chopped into small pieces (can use more if desired)
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained (squeeze out any excess moisture with your hands)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup melted butter
2 -3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Set oven to 350 degrees.
  • Grease a 13" x 9" baking pan.
  • Cook the pasta only to firm-tender (don't overcook, as the pasta will cook more when baked in the oven) according to package directions (omit the salt in the water); drain, set aside.
  • In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over med-high heat.
  • Add in the chopped onion (if using) and the garlic; saute for 5 minutes.
  • Whisk in the flour, thyme, nutmeg and black pepper; cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Gradually whisk in the half and half; cook for 4 minutes, until thick and bubbly.
  • Add in the grated Swiss cheese, and the Parmesan cheese; mix well over low heat, until the cheese has melted, and the sauce is hot and bubbly; remove the saucepan from the heat.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cream/cheese sauce, 1/2 cup of the remaining Swiss cheese (it is not necessery to add the remaining 1/2 cup cheese, you may omit if desired), chopped tomato, and the spinach; stir well.
  • Spoon the mixture into a prepared greased baking pan.
  • In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter and the Parmesan cheese.
  • Sprinkle the mixture over the casserole in the baking pan.
  • Bake for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
  • Note: this recipes calls for NO salt, as the grated Parmesan cheese produces enough salty taste, but if you do choose to add salt, add just a small amount (to taste with the cream sauce) at a time, otherwise it tends to get too salty.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 660.1, Fat 39.5, SaturatedFat 23.9, Cholesterol 111.6, Sodium 551, Carbohydrate 57, Fiber 7, Sugar 2.9, Protein 22.1

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