Gouda Penne with Spinach
Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, Gouda Penne with Spinach is a quick and satisfying pasta dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This recipe features tender penne pasta coated in a velvety gouda cheese sauce, made with a simple roux of butter, flour, and milk for an irresistibly smooth texture. Fresh, wilted baby spinach adds a vibrant burst of color and nutrients, while garlic sautéed in olive oil enhances the dish with its aromatic touch. Optional red pepper flakes provide a gentle kick of heat, while a sprinkle of parmesan offers a savory finishing touch. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this easy gouda pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser that you'll want to make again and again. Perfect for cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1.5 cups shredded gouda cheese
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain the pasta, and set it aside.
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to thicken slightly.
Add the shredded gouda cheese to the milk mixture. Whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
In a separate large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted.
Combine the cooked pasta and sautéed spinach in the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If using, sprinkle red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Serve warm, garnished with grated parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
517 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.5 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.5 g | 82% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 83 mg | 28% | |
| Sodium | 769 mg | 33% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39.4 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.8 g | ||
| Protein | 25.1 g | 50% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.7 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 605 mg | 47% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 244 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
