Penne with Spinach Sauce

Penne with Spinach Sauce Recipe - Authentic Italian Pasta Dish

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 12 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Penne with Spinach Sauce is a delicious and creamy pasta dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The combination of tender penne pasta, creamy goat cheese, and fresh spinach creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

The origins of Penne with Spinach Sauce are not well-documented, but it is believed to have originated in Italy, where pasta dishes are a staple of the cuisine. This recipe puts a modern twist on traditional pasta dishes by incorporating creamy goat cheese and fresh spinach for a unique and flavorful sauce.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) whole wheat or multi grain penne
3 garlic cloves
2 oz (57 g) goat cheese
1 oz (28 g) reduced fat cream cheese
0.75 tsp salt
0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
6 oz (170 g) fresh baby spinach leaves
2 tbsp freshly grated parmesan

How to prepare

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until it is tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 12 minutes.
Mince the garlic in a food processor. Add the goat cheese, cream cheese, 0.75 tsp of salt, 0.5 tsp of pepper, and half of the spinach leaves. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set the cheese and spinach mixture aside.
Meanwhile, place the remaining spinach leaves in a large bowl. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Spoon the pasta atop the spinach leaves in the bowl. Scrape the cheese and spinach mixture over the pasta mixture and toss to coat, adding enough reserved cooking liquid to moisten.
Season the pasta, to taste, with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the Parmesan over and serve.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the pasta for a protein boost.
Substitute the goat cheese with feta or ricotta cheese for a different flavor profile.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for added depth of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the penne pasta until it is al dente, or firm to the bite, to ensure that it holds up well in the creamy sauce.

- Reserve some of the pasta cooking liquid to add to the sauce, as it helps to create a smooth and creamy consistency.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding in your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, for a heartier meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Penne with Spinach Sauce with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Pair it with a glass of white wine for a perfect dinner combination.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to blend the goat cheese, cream cheese, and spinach until smooth and creamy for a luscious sauce.

- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and reserved cooking liquid to ensure that it is evenly coated.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta in place of penne, such as spaghetti or fettuccine.

- Swap out the goat cheese for another soft cheese, such as Brie or Camembert.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the cheese and spinach mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Cook the pasta just before serving for the best results.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Penne with Spinach Sauce with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it in a large pasta bowl for a family-style presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Penne with Spinach Sauce with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the creamy sauce and fresh spinach flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Penne with Spinach Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Penne with Spinach Sauce contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying and balanced meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Penne with Spinach Sauce contains approximately 50 grams of carbohydrates, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Fats

This dish is rich in fats, with approximately 15 grams of fat per serving. The goat cheese and cream cheese add a creamy texture and delicious flavor to the dish.

Proteins

Penne with Spinach Sauce provides a moderate amount of protein, with around 12 grams per serving. The goat cheese and Parmesan cheese contribute to the protein content of this dish.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is packed with vitamins and minerals, thanks to the fresh spinach leaves. Spinach is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron, making this dish a nutritious choice.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy in the form of goat cheese, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. It may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance.

Summary

Overall, Penne with Spinach Sauce is a balanced and nutritious meal option that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Penne with Spinach Sauce is a delicious and creamy pasta dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With its flavorful combination of tender penne pasta, creamy goat cheese, and fresh spinach, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Penne with Spinach Sauce. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in the bustling city. I used to spend my weekends exploring the local markets, searching for new and exciting ingredients to experiment with in the kitchen.

One day, as I was strolling through the market, I came across a stall run by an elderly Italian woman. She was selling an array of fresh herbs, vegetables, and homemade pasta. Intrigued, I struck up a conversation with her and soon found myself listening intently as she shared her passion for cooking and her love for traditional Italian cuisine.

As we chatted, she mentioned a recipe for Penne with Spinach Sauce that she had learned from her own grandmother many years ago. She described it as a simple yet delicious dish that was perfect for any occasion. Intrigued, I begged her to teach me how to make it, and she graciously agreed.

That afternoon, I followed her back to her small apartment where she taught me the secrets of making the perfect spinach sauce. We started by sautéing fresh garlic and onions in olive oil until they were golden brown and fragrant. Then, we added a generous amount of chopped spinach and allowed it to wilt down before pureeing it into a smooth and creamy sauce.

Next, we cooked the penne pasta until it was al dente and tossed it in the spinach sauce, along with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a dash of freshly ground black pepper. The result was a dish that was bursting with flavor and had me craving for more.

From that day on, Penne with Spinach Sauce became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would often make it for my family and friends, who never failed to rave about its deliciousness. Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own.

I have since shared the recipe with countless others, passing on the knowledge and love that was given to me by that kind Italian woman so many years ago. Each time I make Penne with Spinach Sauce, I am transported back to that fateful day in the market, where my culinary journey truly began.

As I sit here now, in my cozy kitchen surrounded by the aroma of garlic and spinach, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes and stories that have been passed down to me over the years. Cooking has always been my passion, my way of expressing love and creativity, and I am so thankful for all the wonderful people who have inspired me along the way.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a comforting and satisfying meal, look no further than Penne with Spinach Sauce. I promise you won't be disappointed. It's a recipe that has stood the test of time, bringing joy and deliciousness to all who have had the pleasure of tasting it. Buon appetito!