SPINACH AND CHEESE CAVATAPPI

STRONG TO THE FINISH CAUSE I EATS ME SPINACH…and so does the rest of the family.

This kid friendly recipe is a must, my kids (ages 1 1/2 and 4) have been eating the leftovers all week. My older son boldly stated that he loved spinach. So, without batting an eye, I pulled the stroller over, bought some, and tossed together this dish. It’s my way of having him actually associate spinach in an exciting way. He loved it and so did his little brother, my husband, and I. It’s a great family dinner night meal. It’s kinda like a fancy spinach filled mac and cheese.

In a similar vein is my Butternut Squash And Sweet Potato Macaroni And Cheese. I love to make it every Fall.

If you’re feeling a more adult cheesy pasta, may I recommend my Pappardelle With Lemon Havarti Cream Sauce and my Mushroom And Burrata Bucatini.

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SPINACH AND CHEESE CAVATAPPI

Yield: 4-6

Author: Michelle Williams

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 20 MinTotal time: 25 Min

Ingredients

• Cavatappi Pasta (1 1 pound box)
• Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons)
• All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons)
• Whole Milk (1 cup)
• Block of American Cheese (2 cups when grated. I used a food processor to blitz mine)
• Baby Spinach (5 ounces)
• Salt
• Pepper

KITCHEN TOOLS

• Stock Pot and Lid
• Strainer
• Food Processor
• Rubber Spatula
• Whisk

Instructions

TO MAKE YOUR CAVATAPPI

1. Fill your stock pot with water according to your pasta box's instructions. Season heavily with salt, cover, and bring to a rolling boil.
2. Uncovered, boil your pasta for the amount of time the box indicates for al dente.
3. Strain your pasta and then rinse your pasta with cold water to stop it from cooking any further.
4. Set aside.

TO MAKE YOUR SPINACH CHEESE SAUCE

1. Use your food processor to finely chop your spinach. Set aside.
2. Use your same stock pot. Over medium-high heat, melt your butter.
3. Whisk in your flour until it's fully integrated.
4. Slowly pour in your milk while whisking. Bring to a simmer.
5. In batches, add your cheese. Make sure to whisk it in until you have a smooth cheese sauce.
6. In batches, add in your spinach whisking as you go until it's fully and evenly incorporated.
7. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

TO COMBINE YOUR CAVATAPPI AND SPINACH CHEESE SAUCE

1. In batches, add your Cavatappi to your spinach and cheese sauce in your stock pot. Use your rubber spatula to fold your pasta and sauce together so that your pasta is fully and evenly coated.

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