Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Penne or Rigatoni pasta
- 4 cups Chicken or Vegetable broth
- 1.5 cups Heavy cream
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 small Shallot, finely diced
- 2 cups Fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup Sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics. Place a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Melt the butter until it begins to foam. Add the minced garlic and diced shallots. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until the shallots are translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic, as this can make the sauce bitter.
- Step 2: Simmer the Pasta. Pour the chicken broth and the dry pasta into the pot. Increase the heat to bring the liquid to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir the pasta frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is just shy of al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce. Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and add the sun-dried tomatoes and ground nutmeg. Stir constantly as the sauce begins to thicken and coat the pasta. The starch remaining in the pot will help emulsify the cream into a silky sauce.
- Step 4: Fold in Greens and Cheese. Add the fresh baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese to the pot. Stir gently until the spinach has wilted and the cheese is completely melted into the sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, splash in a little extra broth or warm water to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Step 5: Garnish and Serve. Remove the pot from the heat. Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of holiday green. Serve immediately directly from the pot or transfer to a large festive serving bowl. Top with an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese for a snowy finish.
- Cook Time: 35 minutes