Baked Penne And Cheese With Spinach Recipe

Ingredients for Baked Penne And Cheese With Spinach

• Penne
• Baby Spinach Leaves
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• Sliced Mushrooms
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Ground Nutmeg
• Fresh Ground Pepper

How to Make Baked Penne And Cheese With Spinach

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook 1 pound penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
3. While pasta cooks, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion, chopped, and 8 ounces sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
4. Sprinkle 1/4 cup all-purpose flour over the onion and mushroom mixture. Stir constantly until the flour is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
5. Gradually whisk in 3 cups milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
6. Reduce heat to low. Stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Stir until cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped.
8. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and spinach mixture. Toss gently to combine.
9. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
10. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
11. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
12. Cover the baking dish with foil.
13. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.