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Pasta Bake

Midwest Foodie Blog
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
  • 1 small yellow onion
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 24 oz spaghetti sauce RAO or Kirkland are great brands
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves organic is best
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 16 oz penne pasta Garafalo Organic is great brand (Costco)

Instructions
 

NOTES (prior to cooking this recipe- cook pasta so it is ready to go)

  • Salt pasta water. Add 2-4 tablespoons of kosher salt to the pot of boiling water before adding the uncooked pasta. This is your first chance to season the pasta and it will make a HUGE difference in the overall flavor of the dish.
    Cook noodles just until al dente and not a moment longer. If the recommended cooking time is 9-11 minutes, set your timer for 8 minutes and then start carefully tasting the pasta until it is tender and cooked through, but still has a toothsome bite.

Once Pasta is cooked to al dente...

  • Drizzle al dente pasta with olive oil and season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and set aside. 
  • Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  • Add onion along with a couple pinches of salt and pepper and cook, stirring frequently for 4 minutes.
  • Add garlic and oregano, and cook, stirring frequently for 1 minute.
  • Add pasta sauce, stir to combine.
  • Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the pasta sauce is heated through.
  • Stir in fresh spinach.
  • Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper. 
  • Add pasta and toss to coat evenly.
  • Garnish with Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley and enjoy!

If you want to add protein:

  • Sliced grilled chicken or cooked crumbled sausage would both be great additions to this dish if you're not looking for a vegetarian dinner. Spicy turkey sausage is a great one to add!

Notes

Recipe is from https://midwestfoodieblog.com/penne-rosa/