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Ingredients
Scale
- nonstick cooking spray
- 8 oz. penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ onion (small diced)
- 1 zucchini (half moons)
- ½ bunch asparagus (trimmed & cut 1-inch)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked)
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ⅓ cup frozen spinach (thawed and pressed)
- 4 oz. cream cheese (cubed)
- 1 ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9×10” casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Boil a medium-sized pot of water. Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, combine vegetable oil, onion, zucchini, asparagus, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Push the veggies to one side of the skillet and melt the butter in the gap. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring until the mixture thickens (about 1-2 minutes).
- Incorporate the vegetable broth, garlic powder, dried basil, and dried oregano; continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in the spinach and cream cheese, mixing until the cheese has melted (about 2 minutes).
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and combine everything carefully. Use a large bowl if needed.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to substitute seasonal vegetables as desired for added freshness.
For a creamy texture, ensure the cream cheese is fully melted into the sauce before adding pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 431mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 51mg