Indulge in a culinary journey with our delectable Baked Pasta with Spinach, Lemon, and Cheese, a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Delight in the vibrant green of fresh spinach, the zesty tang of lemon, and the rich, gooey goodness of melted cheese. This versatile dish can be customized to your liking, with options for a creamy or tomato-based sauce, and a variety of cheeses to choose from. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, our step-by-step recipes will guide you through the process, ensuring a perfect result every time. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this flavorful and visually appealing dish that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
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LEMON PASTA WITH SPINACH
Healthy spinach, garlic and lemon combine to coat angel hair pasta for a lovely side that'll freshen any meal. -Charlene Anderson, Bonney Lake, Washington
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 25m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute garlic in butter until tender. Add the spinach, lemon juice and zest, salt and pepper; cook 2-3 minutes longer or until spinach is wilted., Drain pasta. Add to skillet; toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 184 calories, Fat 4g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 249mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
CHEESY SPINACH BAKED PENNE
Making homemade tomato sauce for this recipe really allows you to control what goes into it. Here, it's mixed up with chunks of mozzarella for extra bursts of cheesy goodness, along with cottage cheese for all the satisfying qualities of ricotta with only a fraction of the fat and calories.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 1h21m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Mist a 2 to 2 1/2-quart rectangular or oval baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package directions for al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the oil in a medium pot set over medium heat. Add the fennel seeds and garlic and cook until aromatic, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, basil sprig, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Simmer, lowering the heat if the sauce bubbles too vigorously, until the sauce has thickened slightly, the flavors have blended together and the raw tomato taste has cooked out, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the heat, discard the basil and season with additional salt and pepper. Pour over the cooked pasta and toss well to coat. Add the cubed mozzarella and transfer half the pasta to the prepared baking dish.
- Put the cottage cheese in the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth. Add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan and pulse two to three times. Combine half the cottage cheese mixture with the spinach and mix to break up the spinach. Drop in spoonfuls over the pasta in the baking dish. Top the spinach layer with the rest of the pasta and then the remaining cottage cheese mixture.
- Bake until bubbly and golden brown on top, about 30 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes, and then scatter the torn basil over the top.
Tips:
- For the ultimate creamy texture, use a combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Don't overcook the spinach. It should be wilted but still retain its vibrant green color.
- If you don't have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach that has been thawed and squeezed dry.
- To make the dish lighter, use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and Gruyère is a delicious option.
- Serve the baked pasta immediately, garnished with fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Conclusion:
This baked pasta with spinach, lemon, and cheese is a delightful dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make, yet elegant enough to serve to guests. The combination of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and flavorful spinach is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it's a great way to sneak some extra vegetables into your diet. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
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