The whole wheat pasta casserole with spinach is a light gratinated pasta with spinach.
I used pre-selected and cleaned spinach leaves sold in bags.
Flavorful with sun-dried tomatoes and red chili.
Gratinated with grated cheese.
You can use a seasoned cheese [e.g., Grana Padano or Parmesan] grated or in flakes, in small quantities to add flavor or in the full amount as per your dietary plan to transform the whole wheat pasta casserole with spinach into a one-dish meal that concentrates the characteristics of a balanced meal in a single serving.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 2 People
- Cooking methods: Electric Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 5.6 oz whole wheat penne pasta
- 7.1 oz spinach leaves (in a bag)
- 1 pinch garlic powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch mixed peppercorns (with grinder)
- as needed sun-dried tomatoes (if in oil, well drained)
- as needed tomato sauce (homemade)
- 2 tablespoons Parmigiano Reggiano (grated)
- 1 pinch red chili (finely chopped)
Tools
- 1 Frying Pan non-stick
- Chopper or Mixer
- 1 Baking Dish
Preparation
Carefully wash the spinach under running water.
Let them drain in a colander.
The residual water plus the water they release during cooking will allow you to sauté them without oil and without sticking to the pan.In a hot pan, brown a sprinkle of garlic powder.
Add the spinach to the pan, over high heat for a few minutes, and stir repeatedly until they are evenly wilted.Add salt and grind the pepper.
Drain the spinach well.
You can set aside the water released during cooking and add it to the pasta cooking water.In a mixer, add the sun-dried tomatoes and chop.
Add half of the spinach and blend until you get a smooth spinach cream.
Cook the pasta very al dente [it will be re-baked], rinse it under running water and drain.
I cooked it exactly half the time indicated on the package.Pour the pasta into a bowl.
Add the tomato sauce and mix.
Add the cream of spinach and sun-dried tomatoes and mix.
Prepare a baking dish.
Layer:
• pasta with tomato and spinach;
• the spinach set aside and not chopped;
• pasta with tomato and spinach;
finish with a handful of grated cheese and a pinch of red chili.
Briefly preheat the oven.
Bake at 356°F for 10-15 minutes in a ventilated oven until a crispy crust forms on the surface.Your whole wheat pasta casserole with spinach is ready.
Enjoy your meal!
Notes
Hyperglycemia, prediabetes and diabetes.
Here you can find dedicated recipes.
Remember:
• start the meal with a generous portion of vegetables [raw or cooked];
• a balanced meal must contain all nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, fats & fiber;
• always prepare it respecting the proportions and combinations indicated in your diet plan.
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