Whats for Dinner? Penne with Spinach Sauce

As some of you may know, I am a huge fan of quick, simple, and healthy food.  That is why I am choosing to make Penne with Spinach Sauce and Chicken for dinner, tonight.  The recipe does not call for chicken but I thought this would be a great addition to the recipe.  The original recipe is courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis.  I love Giada and her food and family style of cooking.  Not to mention she is gorgeous.   

P.S - All ingredients used were part of my 3/27 trip to Trader Joes.

Penne with Spinach Sauce

Prep Time: 15 min

Cook Time: 12 min
Level: Easy
Serves: 6 servings

Ingredients
1 pound whole wheat or multi grain penne
3 garlic clove
2 ounces goat cheese
1 ounce reduced fat cream cheese
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 ounces fresh baby spinach leaves
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan

Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the penne and cook until it is tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 12 minutes.

Mince the garlic in a food processor. Add the goat cheese, cream cheese, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and half of the spinach leaves. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set the cheese and spinach mixture aside.

Meanwhile, place the remaining spinach leaves in a large bowl.

Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Spoon the pasta atop the spinach leaves in the bowl.  Scrape the cheese and spinach mixture over the pasta mixture and toss to coat, adding enough reserved cooking liquid to moisten. Season the pasta, to taste, with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the Parmesan over and serve.  Top with grilled chicken for extra protein.  ENJOY!