Baked Spinach and Goat Cheese Penne

Baked Spinach and Goat Cheese Penne

This baked pasta dish combines the creamy tang of goat cheese with the earthy goodness of spinach, creating a comforting and delicious meal. It’s a perfect main course for dinner, easy to prepare, and packed with flavor. The penne pasta captures the delicious cheesy sauce, making every bite satisfying. Serve it with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, crumbled goat cheese, and season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
6. Add the cooked penne pasta and the wilted spinach mixture to the bowl with the cheese mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
7. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the shredded mozzarella cheese and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestion:
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired. Pair with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread to complete your meal. Enjoy!