Creamy Spinach Penne Bake
Indulge in this delightful creamy spinach penne bake that brings comfort food to a healthier level! This quick and easy meatless dish features penne pasta enveloped in a rich, flavorful sauce made from milk rather than traditional tomato. With sautéed onions, minced garlic, and a blend of Italian seasonings, every bite is packed with flavor. The addition of frozen spinach makes it convenient without sacrificing nutrition, while a topping of golden breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan adds the perfect finishing touch. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish can be whipped up with staple ingredients you likely already have on hand. For an extra touch, opt for fresh spinach and authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano to elevate this dish to gourmet status. Your family will love it!
6
Servings
330
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne pasta
8 ounces (uncooked)
butter or margarine
2 tablespoons (divided)
chopped onion
1 cup (fresh)
minced garlic
2 teaspoons (fresh)
flour
1/4 cup (all-purpose)
milk
2 1/2 cups (any kind)
Parmesan cheese
1 1/4 cups (grated)
Italian seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons (dried)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
salt
1/8 teaspoon
diced tomatoes with basil, oregano, and garlic
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (drained)
frozen spinach
1 (10 ounce) package (thawed)
dry breadcrumbs
1/4 cup
Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (grated for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is tender and translucent.
4
Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture, stirring well to coat the onions evenly. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble.
5
Remove the skillet from heat and incorporate 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, along with Italian seasoning, pepper, and salt. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is well combined.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, sauce, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, drained diced tomatoes, and thawed spinach. Mix gently until everything is well coated.
7
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 13x9 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8
In a small bowl, combine the dry breadcrumbs, remaining 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, and the remaining tablespoon of melted butter. Mix well and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
9.2g
Fat
48g
Carbs
9.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Spinach Penne Bake?
This dish is a quick and easy meatless comfort food featuring penne pasta in a rich milk-based sauce with spinach and Parmesan.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How much penne pasta is required?
You will need 8 ounces of uncooked penne pasta.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can opt for fresh spinach to elevate the dish to gourmet status.
How long should I bake the pasta?
Bake for about 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a meatless dish tagged as vegetarian.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 330 calories per serving.
What kind of milk should I use?
You can use 2 1/2 cups of any kind of milk.
How much total Parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 cups in the pasta mixture and an additional 2 tablespoons for the topping.
What size baking dish is needed?
A greased 13x9 inch baking dish is required.
Do I need to drain the diced tomatoes?
Yes, the recipe specifies using one 14 1/2 ounce can of diced tomatoes, drained.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 9.2g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 48g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This dish provides 9.8g of protein per serving.
What seasonings are used in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
How do I prepare the onion and garlic?
Sauté 1 cup of chopped onion and 2 teaspoons of minced garlic in butter until the onion is tender.
What makes the topping crunchy?
A mixture of 1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan, and 1 tablespoon of melted butter creates the golden topping.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of flour over the onion mixture and slowly stir in the milk until it thickens.
Is this dish considered low fat?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as low fat.
What is the preparation for the penne?
Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente and then drain.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients in total.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Use a 14 1/2 ounce can of diced tomatoes with basil, oregano, and garlic.
Should the spinach be thawed?
Yes, the 10 ounce package of frozen spinach should be thawed.
Is this a good recipe for weeknights?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and family friendly dish.
Can I use Parmigiano-Reggiano?
Yes, using authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano is recommended to elevate the dish.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Does the recipe include sugar information?
No, the sugar content for this recipe is not specified.
What should I do before serving?
Let the bake cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven.