CREAMY SPINACH PASTA

Well, here's another one of my creations. I ate a FLORENTINE FETTUCCINE at Star Cafe in Montrose, CA one day and wanted to remake it. So I got in the kitchen and did exactly that... with my own twist. This is the result. It tastes so good & it's a great way to have your kids eat spinach! Spinach is so good for you. It is low in fat and even lower in cholesterol. Spinach is high in niacin and zinc, as well as protein, fiber, vitamins A, B6, C, E and K, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and more. Basically, it’s loaded with good things for every part of your body! Studies also have shown that spinach helps maintain your vigorous brain function, memory and mental clarity. Spinach is one of a number of leafy greens becoming more and more prevalent in salad bars and on menus around the world. Its versatility makes it easily adaptable in healthy vegetable drinks and smoothies, lightly sautéed as a stand-along side dish, and added to soups or stir fried vegetables. This dish is creamy comfort food at its best! It comes together in a flash! Once the sauce is ready, add your hot pasta, stir, and serve! This flavorful pasta is also really delicious with the addition of grilled chicken.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb farfalle pasta or pasta of choice

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, squeezed

• 1 lb bag spinach

• 1 tablespoon flour

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon freshly grated black pepper

• 1 teaspoon red pepper or paprika

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions:

1. Boil your favorite choice of pasta until al dente. Drain & put aside.

2. In the meantime, melt butter in a sauce pan. Add garlic and onions and saute until onions become translucent.

3. Add flour and mix.

4. Add spinach and mix well for 2 minutes.

5. Add chicken broth. Bring to boil and let spinach wilt. Remove from heat.

6. Puree with immersion blender until there are no solid pieces of spinach left.

7. Return to heat and add heavy cream and spices and cook until it begins to boil. Lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens a little bit.

8. Toss in the boiled pasta, mix, and serve hot (fresh off the stove).

*VARIATION: You can add chicken to this dish. Just cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-size pieces and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper. Fry in olive oil or grill until the chicken cooks through and begins to brown.

If you make this recipe, be sure to snap a photo and hashtag it #EATDRINKPLAYLA. I'd love to see how yours turned out!