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Pioneer Woman Spinach Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe

Pioneer Woman Spinach Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe

TheĀ Pioneer Woman Spinach Alfredo Pasta Bake RecipeĀ is amazing. It is a hearty meal for the whole family.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 16 ounces of penne or ziti pasta.
  • 2 cups of heavy cream.
  • 1/2 cup of salted butter.
  • 2 cups of grated Parmesan cheese.
  • 3 cloves of minced garlic.
  • 6 cups of fresh baby spinach.
  • 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
  • Salt for the pasta water.

Instructions
 

Boil the Pasta

  • Boil a large pot of salty water. Add your pasta to the pot. Cook it until it is slightly firm. This is called al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander. Set it aside for later.

Make the Garlic Butter

  • Place a skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter slowly. Add the minced garlic to the pan. Cook it for about one minute. Do not let the garlic turn brown.

Build the Cream Sauce

  • Pour the heavy cream into the skillet. Let it simmer for five minutes. It should thicken up a little bit. Add the black pepper and nutmeg now. Nutmeg adds a very secret, rich flavor.

Add the Parmesan

  • Turn the heat down to low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth. The cheese should be fully melted. Taste it to see if it needs salt.

Wilt the Spinach

  • Throw the fresh spinach into the sauce. Stir it gently for two minutes. The leaves will shrink and get soft. This adds color and great nutrients.

Combine Everything

  • Put the cooked pasta into the skillet. Toss it well to coat every piece. Make sure the sauce fills the pasta tubes. It should look very creamy and green.

Prepare the Baking Dish

  • Grease your baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish. Spread it out evenly with a spoon.

Add the Topping

  • Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the whole surface with white cheese. This creates a gooey crust in the oven.

Bake Until Golden

  • Heat your oven to 375 degrees. Bake the pasta for 20 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and brown. Serve it while it is steaming hot.

Notes

  • Use fresh Parmesan cheese from a block.
  • Pre-shredded cheese does not melt as well.
  • Do not overcook the pasta in the water.
  • It will cook more inside the oven.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add milk.
  • Use a splash of pasta water for texture.
  • Add cooked chicken for extra protein.
  • This makes the meal even more filling.
  • Always grease the baking dish very well.
  • This prevents the cheese from sticking.
  • Let the dish rest for five minutes.
  • This helps the sauce set before serving.
Keyword Pioneer Woman Spinach Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe