Radiatore Alfredo with Spinach and Basil

The other day, I was going to fix spaghetti, but I was feeling creative. I decided to experiment. Spaghetti with crazy noodles turned into a pretty yummy new recipe. All three girls gobbled it up. I call that a success! If you want to try it, here’s what I did (I didn’t measure much, so I hope the amounts are right).

*Besides the taste, the other thing I like about this recipe is that it’s vegetarian.  I’m not a vegetarian, but meatless meals once in a while sure are nice on the budget.)

Begin by preparing:

• 10 oz Radiatore Pasta, cooked and drained according to package directions
• 6 oz spinach, cooked and drained

When pasta and spinach are almost done, prepare sauce. (Sauce takes 5 minutes or less.)

Mock Alfredo Sauce:

3 Tbs butter, 3 Tbs flour, 1 & 1/2 C milk (*Do not use old flour–it will make the sauce taste terrible!)

Melt butter in saucepan. Stir in flour with whisk. Quickly add milk and stir until mixture bubbles and thickens (over medium or low heat). While continuing to stir, add salt and pepper to taste and stir in 1/4 C (or more) Parmesan cheese and (optional) 1/4 C shredded cheddar cheese.

Stir in 1/2 tsp chopped fresh basil (use more if it’s dried) and the cooked spinach. Mix well and pour over the pasta.  Stir, taste, and add more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with more Parmesan, if desired. (My kids love to add Parmesan.  If I’m not watching, they’ll end up with a mountain of cheese!)

I was so excited to find something that my whole family enjoyed that I had to share! I hope your family likes it too. (I think the fun-shaped noodles added to the appeal of the recipe.)  The other thing I like about this recipe?  It’s vegetarian.  I’m not a vegetarian, but meatless meals once in a while sure are nice on the budget .

If you enjoy this idea, please “like,” “Pin,” or “+1” so that others can join the fun!  Thanks!

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