Springtime Delight! Creamy Spinach Penne Pasta for Kids
Springtime Delight! Creamy Spinach Penne Pasta for Kids
A Taste of Spring! Easy Spinach Cream Sauce Penne Pasta without Heavy Cream, Perfect for Kids
This spinach penne pasta was created with the desire to sneak vegetables into picky eaters’ meals. Its beautiful pastel green hue is a treat for the eyes, making it a delightful spring pasta that children absolutely adore. Enjoy a unique pasta experience at home, capturing the freshness of spring.
Pasta Ingredients- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 fresh spinach bunches (stems removed, washed thoroughly)
- 3 button mushrooms, sliced
- 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into 1cm pieces
- 2 slices of processed cheese (cheddar or your preferred cheese)
- 1 fresh egg yolk
- 5-6 cups (approx. 1-1.2L) of milk
- A pinch of coarse salt (for boiling pasta)
- A pinch of black pepper (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the ingredients that will build the delicious flavor base for the pasta. Finely chop the onion and mushrooms. Cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces, about 1cm wide. Carefully separate the egg yolk from the white and set it aside.
Step 2
Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or grit. Gently pat it dry, then place it in a mini-blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and pureed. You can use just the leaves, or include the tender parts of the stems for a richer flavor.
Step 3
Heat a deep pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of olive oil. Start by sautéing the chopped onion until it becomes translucent. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and chopped bacon, cooking them together until everything is nicely browned and fragrant. Allow the bacon to render its fat and crisp up slightly.
Step 4
Once the vegetables and bacon are nicely sautéed, pour in the 5-6 cups of milk. Ensure all the ingredients are submerged in the milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it cook slowly, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5
As the milk mixture begins to simmer gently, stir in the pureed spinach. Watch as it transforms into a beautiful pastel green color. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is tender and fully incorporated into the sauce.
Step 6
While the sauce is gently simmering, add the 2 slices of processed cheese. Stir slowly until the cheese is completely melted, creating a richer, creamier texture for your sauce. The cheese adds a lovely depth and mild saltiness.
Step 7
Finally, it’s time to incorporate the egg yolk. Reduce the heat to very low, or turn it off temporarily. To prevent the yolk from scrambling, add it to the sauce when it’s no longer boiling hot. Whisk gently and continuously to ensure the yolk is fully blended into the sauce, adding a smooth, custardy richness.
Step 8
Now, let’s cook the penne pasta. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of coarse salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions, but reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes to achieve an al dente texture (approximately 8-10 minutes).
Step 9
Drain the cooked penne pasta and immediately add it to the pan with the spinach cream sauce. Over medium-low heat, toss the pasta with the sauce for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to simmer gently and absorb the flavors. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Step 10
Serve the finished spinach penne pasta in a beautiful bowl. For a final touch of freshness and visual appeal, garnish with a few fresh spinach leaves. Enjoy your delicious and vibrant spring pasta!
