CREAMY SPINACH PASTA

Creamy Spinach Pasta image

Our Test Kitchen tossed tender tube pasta with fresh spinach, onion, blue cheese and chicken broth to create this aromatic entree. A sprinkling of toasted honey pecans tops it all with a touch of sweetness.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1/4 cup pecans
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 large onion, sliced and separated into rings
12 ounces uncooked penne pasta
3 cups torn fresh spinach
3/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth, divided
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled blue cheese, divided

Steps:

Line a baking sheet with foil; coat well with cooking spray. In a bowl, combine pecans and honey; spread over prepared pan. Bake at 300° for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a nonstick skillet, combine the sugar, oil and vinegar; add onion. Cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes or until onion begins to caramelize., In a saucepan, cook pasta according to package directions. Remove pecans from the oven; set aside and keep warm. Add the spinach, 1/4 cup broth, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes to the onion mixture; cook 5 minutes longer. drain pasta; add onion mixture and toss., In the same skillet, combine 2/3 cup blue cheese and remaining broth. Cook over medium heat until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Pour over pasta; toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with pecans and remaining blue cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 368 calories, Fat 13g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 14mg cholesterol, Sodium 689mg sodium, Carbohydrate 53g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 13g protein.