Cheese And Spinach Fettuccine
Creamy cheese and spinach fettuccine combines rich flavors of Parmesan and blue cheese with tender pasta, perfect for a comforting and elegant vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the fettuccine according to package instructions, adding frozen spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Drain and keep warm.
- In a 2-quart pan, mix milk and cornstarch until smooth.
- Add margarine, salt, and nutmeg to the milk mixture.
- Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils and thickens. Cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and crumbled blue cheese until melted and combined.
- Add the sauce to the cooked pasta and spinach. Toss gently until well coated.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of cream or substituting half the milk with cream. If you're out of blue cheese, feta or goat cheese can provide a similar tangy flavor. To enhance the dish further, adding garlic or sautéed onions can elevate the taste. Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère for a unique twist, and feel free to include more vegetables for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cheese and Spinach Fettuccine with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish. It pairs beautifully with Green Beans Napoli for a colorful plate. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra touch. This dish also makes a great main course in a vegetarian meal plan.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk to prevent the sauce from thickening too much, and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can alter the texture of the pasta.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese And Spinach Fettuccine contains roughly 1001 calories, with 13g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2039mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Just sauté it in a bit of olive oil until wilted before adding it to the pasta. If using fresh, you'll need about 6 ounces, as it reduces significantly when cooked.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the fettuccine with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or lentils. Just be sure to check the cooking time as gluten-free pasta often cooks faster or slower than regular pasta.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently and combine with the pasta and spinach. This makes it a great option for meal prep.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).