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OK, I confess. I am one of those Mom’s that will hide things in her children’s food. I am not ashamed of this. I have had a few openly tell me in the past that I was not teaching good eating habits to my children. But you know, those people probably never tried to feed a picky eater. I hide a little..offer a little. There is a delicate balance that needs to be maintained when feeding a child and I respect that.
So the other day I was craving 3 things with a ferocity that rivaled a bear after honey. I really, really wanted some pasta, greens and goat cheese. I woke up thinking about it, sat and thought about it at work and while running after school I had put together a plan.
The problem? I knew my oldest would pitch a fit. Never fear, I am not afraid of that. I was just not in the mood for his “20 questions about what was in the food” fun time. So while he was at swimming I made this quick little sauce so I could get rid of the evidence before he got home.
Talk about nutrient packed…I used a mix of legume-based pasta and whole wheat. My green of choice: spinach. This meal was filling and satisfied my need for goat cheese, greens and pasta all on 1 plate.
Feeling confident I plated his dinner. He just looks at me like I am an idiot and says ” OK, Mom…I know there must be something in here that I don’t like..what is it”? I smiled and assured him that there was no trick. That I promised he would like it. Not only like it but ask for more.
And he did not disappoint ????
Penne with Creamy Spinach and Goat Cheese Sauce
Kosher salt
1 pound penne pasta of your choice
3 cloves of garlic
2 ounces of Chevre goat cheese or other soft goat cheese of your choice
1 ounce reduced-fat cream cheese
fresh pepper
6 or so ounces of fresh baby spinach
reserved pasta water to thin sauce
fresh grated Parmesan for garnish
Cook pasta according to the directions and reserve 1 C of the water. You may need it later.
Meanwhile in a food processor, mince the garlic and salt. Add the cheeses and pulse a few times. Then add 3/4 of the spinach leaves and pulse until smooth. At this point you may want to add a little of the pasta water to thin your sauce.
Add this to the drained pasta and toss to coat. I served this on a bed of spinach that was lightly drizzled with olive oil. We also had leftover grilled chicken so this was a complete meal ????
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| The bite of the pasta combined with the creamy tangy-ness of the goat cheese! Heaven… |
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| We had some great leftover grilled chicken so the meal was complete! |
