The Awesomeness of Spinach: Bonus Recipe!

Are you thinking maybe you’ll explore the awesomeness of spinach? We’ve got a recipe that might help you on your journey.

This creamy pasta dish courtesy of the food blog Spend with Pennies is ready in just 30 minutes and calls for frozen spinach. If you want to substitute fresh, just wilt 1 lb. in a skillet and squeeze dry before using. Using whole-wheat pasta makes it a bit healthier, and you can add cooked chicken or shrimp for protein.

Serves 4

Ingredients

•  ½ pound medium pasta penne, bow ties, or rotini
•  2 tablespoons butter
•  ½ onion diced
•  2 cloves garlic minced
• 4 ounces low-fat cream cheese
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 10 ounces frozen spinach thawed and squeezed dry
•  ½ cup parmesan cheese shredded
•  salt & pepper to taste

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook al dente (firm) according to package directions.
2. While pasta is boiling, cook onion in butter over medium heat until tender. Add garlic and cook just until fragrant. Add cream cheese to the pan and whisk until melted and smooth. Add chicken broth a little bit at a time and add spinach. Simmer 3-4 minutes or until slightly thickened.
3. Stir in pasta simmer 1 minute more. Stir in parmesan cheese, season with salt & pepper to taste and serve.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 438 | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 613mg | Potassium: 497mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 8966IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 290mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.