Penne-Spinach Casserole

Test Kitchen Notes; this recipe was also tested with the addition of 3/4 pound browned spicy sausage meat, so you may want to include that also

Servings 6

INGREDIENTS:

8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
4 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes (or adjust to taste)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2-1/2 cups half and half cream or milk
1-1/4 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 (14.5-ounce) can Italian seasoned diced tomatoes, lightly drained
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and hand-squeezed dry to remove excess moisture
salt and fresh ground black pepper
1/2  cup dry breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2  tablespoons butter, melted

INSTRUCTIONS:————————————–

Set oven to 350 degrees F.

Grease a 1 3 x 9-inch baking dish.

Cook the pasta in boiling water until just al dente, leave undercooked do not cook until soft; drain and place in a bowl; set aside.

In a saucepan melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat; add in onion and saute until softened.

Add in garlic, Italian seasoning and chili flakes; cook stirring for 2 minutes.

Add in the flour; cook stirring for 30 seconds.

Slowly add/stir in the cream or milk; cook for about 4 minutes or until hot and bubbly, then stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, season with black pepper and salt then remove from heat, then pour over the cooked pasta.

Add in remaining 1 cup Parmesan cheese, drained diced tomatoes and spinach; stir well to combine, then season with more salt and pepper if needed.

Transfer/spread to prepared baking dish.

In a small bowl combine the dry breadcrumbs with 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese and melted butter; sprinkle over the top of the casserole.

Bake in a preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until heated thoroughly.

Related posts:

Cheesy Penne Casserole

Meaty Penne “Lasagna” Casserole

Creamy Sausage and Spinach Penne Bake

Cherry Tomato And Spinach Gorganzo Sauce With Penne

Cheesy Layered Spinach and Mushroom Casserole

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