Penne Pasta with Buttery Spinach and Garlic
Ingredients
6 oz Penne or flavored penne pasta, uncooked
2 tbsp Pine nuts
3 tbsp Butter
1/2 cup Sliced shallots or leek
4 cloves Garlic; minced
1/2 cup Canned vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1/4 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Freshly ground black pepper
6 oz (5 cups packed) fresh spinach
1/4 cup Freshly grated Parmesan or Asiao cheese (optional)
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350 deg. Cook pasta in large pot according to package directions. While pasta is cooking, toast pine nuts in oven 5 to 7 minutes on cookie sheet; set aside.
Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots or leek; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic; cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add broth, salt and pepper; simmer uncovered 5 minutes. During this time, the butter melts and enhances the flavor of the mixture.
Discard stems from spinach, tear any large leaves in half. Drain pasta; return to pot. Add spinach; toss well. (Spinach will wilt slightly.) Add butter mixture; toss again. Transfer to two warmed serving plates; sprinkle with pine nuts. Sprinkle with cheese (if desired).