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:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 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.
- Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
The source of the article is from the blog kewauneecomet.com