Penne Alfredo with Spinach

 
  I apologize for the lack of posting the past month or two. Life caught up to me and posting on the blog took a back seat to finishing up my job in June, yoga class, and enjoying the beach. I was lucky enough to have about 5 weeks off in between my old job ending and new job starting, and although some might look at those weeks as 5 weeks of unemployment, I felt they were 5 weeks of much needed rest and time to do things that I had not been able to do for months. Although I have not been posting, I have still been cooking and have so many recipes to share, including some great summer dishes. 
  Last summer in north county was dreary and we were cursed with June gloom for months, but this summer has been so so so HOT! So my version of hot can not compare to the heat waves that the east coast has been experiencing, but when it hits the 80s near the beach here that is considered pretty hot. I do love all the sun, but it has made cooking a little challenging. I have barely used our oven since May because our house faces west and between 3p and 6p it is boiling in here...sometimes even hotter than outside. So I have been using the george foreman grill (we do not have a space for a BBQ unfortunately) and making a few pasta dishes every week in an attempt to avoid using the oven. It really is challenging to not use the oven at all...no pizzas, no baked chicken, no enchiladas, i could go on for days..!
  Anyways this dish was something I first made about a year ago and for some reason I think I have only made it once or twice since then. I am not sure why because it really is a great recipe, so simple, and a really healthy alternative to your standard Alfredo sauce. I added the spinach in because I truly believe spinach can be added into anything, but especially pasta, for a little added nutrition. I have never really eaten too much Alfredo pasta, so I am not sure how this stacks up to the full fat version, but I think the flavors and creaminess of the sauce are excellent considering the low calorie and fat content of the dish. It also requires no oven and whips up quickly..perfect for a summer meal or even for a warm winter comfort food!


Penne Alfredo with Spinach


9 ounces of pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon of all purpose flour
1 cup of 1% low fat milk
2/3 cup grated Parmigiano- Reggiano cheese (I have used a mix of parmesan and/or substituted parmesan as well)
A few handfuls of chopped baby spinach (use as little or as much as you want!)
pepper


Cook pasta according to package directions. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan and add garlic, saute 1 minute then add flour and saute 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Gradually add milk stirring constantly. Cook 2 minutes or until slightly thick and bubbly. Reduce heat to low then gradually add cheese, stirring until cheese melts. Before draining pasta reserve 1/4 cup cooking liquid and add to sauce. Add hot pasta to sauce (or sauce to hot pasta depending on pan/pot size). Mix in spinach and sprinkle with pepper. Enjoy :)




Recipe adapted from Cooking Light