Awesome Penne Spinach Bake

Kittencalskitchen's Note:

Spinach and pasta mixed with the most delicious cream sauce, topped of with a breadcrumb/cheese topping, then baked in the oven. Your gonna love this one! Prep time includes boiling the pasta.

• Total Time: 55 mins
• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 8 ounces penne pasta, uncooked (spiral pasta may be used instead of penne)
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3 -4 fresh minced garlic cloves (I use lots of garlic!)
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2-1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• black pepper
• 2 1/2 cups half-and-half cream or 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2-3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups grated swiss cheese, divided
• 1 large tomato, chopped into small pieces (can use more if desired)
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained (squeeze out any excess moisture with your hands)

TOPPING

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 -3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Set oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease a 13" x 9" baking pan.
3. Cook the pasta only to firm-tender (don't overcook, as the pasta will cook more when baked in the oven) according to package directions (omit the salt in the water); drain, set aside.
4. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over med-high heat.
5. Add in the chopped onion (if using) and the garlic; saute for 5 minutes.
6. Whisk in the flour, thyme, nutmeg and black pepper; cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
7. Gradually whisk in the half and half; cook for 4 minutes, until thick and bubbly.
8. Add in the grated Swiss cheese, and the Parmesan cheese; mix well over low heat, until the cheese has melted, and the sauce is hot and bubbly; remove the saucepan from the heat.
9. In a large bowl, combine the cream/cheese sauce, 1/2 cup of the remaining Swiss cheese (it is not necessery to add the remaining 1/2 cup cheese, you may omit if desired), chopped tomato, and the spinach; stir well.
10. Spoon the mixture into a prepared greased baking pan.
11. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter and the Parmesan cheese.
12. Sprinkle the mixture over the casserole in the baking pan.
13. Bake for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
14. Note: this recipes calls for NO salt, as the grated Parmesan cheese produces enough salty taste, but if you do choose to add salt, add just a small amount (to taste with the cream sauce) at a time, otherwise it tends to get too salty.

Reviews

[Chef #1057967]

This was OK but not one of my favorites....hubby agreed it was just OK........don't think i would make it again.

[*Huntergirl*]

YUM!!! My husband took one bite and said "This is a keeper"! I had to make a few exchanges based on what I had on hand. For the chopped tomato I used one can of drained tomatoes w/ green chilies. For the cheese I used half mozzarella, half swiss and the parmesan. I added the optional onion, used whole milk, a little salt and kept everything else the same. I will definitely make this one again.

[emjenn]

Nice! I didn't have thyme (which was surprising) so I used sage, basil and oregano and the flavor was great. I also used the optional onions. I think I'll add mushrooms next time.