cheesy penne with spinach (meatless monday)

I made this super fast, Cheesy Penne with Spinach, since it is a light and creamy cheese with pasta, and I’m trying to incorporate more dark green vegetables into their meals.

Lately, my daughters have started eating spinach.  They ate up the sautéed spinach with pine nuts which I made the other night, so I figured this dish would be a hit.  Who could go wrong with two things that I know they like…macaroni and cheese, and spinach?

Well, I did!  Both my husband and me loved the Cheesy Penne with Spinach, but I couldn’t fool these girls.  They were not keen on having spinach in their macaroni and cheese.  They wouldn’t even try tasting it!  It didn’t go over well with them.  I’m definitely going to make this dish again, but will use less spinach for them.  I might have better luck that way.  Maybe you will have better luck with your kids.  Regardless, it makes a delicious and filling meatless meal for the adults.

I’m really trying my best to change my family’s way of eating – it is a slow process.  Some things work and some just don’t. I’m honest and will let you know which recipes work with my family and those that do not.  You should know that I do not post recipes that don’t pass my taste test or were complete and utterly failures.

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Cheesy Penne with Spinach (Meatless Monday)

Adapted from Cooking Light, March 2013

Serves: 4

• 8 ounces uncooked mini penne pasta
• 8 cups fresh spinach (use 4 cups if you have teenagers – just saying)
• 1 1/3 cup fat-free milk
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese (put aside 1 tablespoon for topping)
• 2 ounces 33% less fat Neufchatel cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2/3 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.  During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add spinach to pan; drain.  Place pasta and spinach in a large bowl.
2. Combine milk and flour in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring with a whisk until smooth.  Cook 5 minutes or until slightly thickened; remove from heat.  Add 2 tablespoons Parmesan and remaining ingredients, stirring with a whisk until smooth.  Add cheese mixture to pasta mixture; toss.  Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 241 g

Amount Per Serving
Calories 394

Calories from Fat 115
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 12.7g
Saturated Fat 6.8g
Trans Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 35mg
Sodium 642mg
Total Carbohydrates 48.6g
Dietary Fiber 5.5g
Sugars 7.1g
Protein 22.0g      

Vitamin A 121%•Vitamin C 28%Calcium 37%•Iron 26%
Nutrition Grade B
* Based on a 2000 calorie diet