Creamy spinach pasta bake

Recipe~Finder

Cooking time: Less than 30 minutes

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Healthy options: Vegetarian; Healthy

Serves: 4

Type: Budget; Kids; Easy; Pasta; Family

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Kitchen friendly view

Photography: Andrew Lehmann

By Suzanne Gibbs

Ingredients

375g small shell pasta
2 x 300g packets silken firm tofu, drained
2 x 250g packets frozen spinach, thawed, drained
1 large garlic clove, crushed
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
½ cup (60g) grated Mainland Extra Tasty Cheese
salad, to serve
$2.90 per serve

Preparation method

1. Cook shell pasta in a large saucepan of boiling, salted water according to packet directions. Drain.

2. Meanwhile, process tofu, spinach, garlic and oil in a food processor until fairly smooth. Season to taste. Stir spinach mixture through cooked pasta and cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.

3. Spoon into an 8-cup heatproof dish and scatter with grated cheese. Place under a preheated grill for 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden. Serve with salad.

Tip: you can also add crispy pancetta or prosciutto, if you like.
Tip: try adding a little wholegrain mustard to the spinach mixture.

Spinach and cheese strata

Kumara and spinach cubes

Spinach ricotta and pasta loaf

Creamy spinach soup for $8.40

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