Penne and Spinach Bake
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this creamy and comforting Penne and Spinach Bake! This family-friendly casserole combines perfectly cooked penne pasta, sautéed fresh spinach, and a luscious homemade white sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of nutmeg for a subtle depth of flavor. Topped with a generous layer of gooey mozzarella and nutty Parmesan, this baked pasta dish achieves deliciously golden, bubbly perfection in just 20-25 minutes. Quick to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients, it's an excellent choice for busy evenings. Each bite of this cheesy baked delight is hearty and satisfying, making it perfect for cozy gatherings or meal prep. Try pairing it with a crisp side salad and garlic bread for a fully indulgent Italian-inspired feast!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 200 grams fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 500 milliliters milk
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 100 grams grated Parmesan cheese
- 150 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the flour to the butter and garlic, whisking continuously to form a smooth paste (roux). Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese, the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed spinach, and the prepared white sauce. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3289 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 143.3 g | 184% | |
| Saturated Fat | 68.9 g | 344% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 352 mg | 117% | |
| Sodium | 5654 mg | 246% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 351.1 g | 128% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.8 g | 74% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.6 g | ||
| Protein | 152.7 g | 305% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.8 mcg | 29% | |
| Calcium | 3039 mg | 234% | |
| Iron | 22.7 mg | 126% | |
| Potassium | 1686 mg | 36% | |
*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.
