Easy, Healthy, and Good

I'm back!  

Here's a winner I made recently.  It's so fast and easy, but best of all, my kids really liked it.  Don't be afraid to add the pine nuts - the kids really liked those!  I served this with some homemade bread, salad, and fresh strawberries.  Yum!

Penne with Ricotta and Pine Nuts

• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• 1 pound whole wheat penne pasta (health food store)
• 1 1/2 pound baby spinach, washed
• 2 Tb olive oil
• Course salt and fresh ground pepper
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 350*.  Spread the pine nuts on a rimmed baking sheet; toast in the oven, tossing occasionally, until golden, 6 to 8 minutes; set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spinach penne until al dente according to package directions, adding the fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking.  Drain; return the pasta and spinach to the pot.
3. Add the olive oil; season generously with salt and pepper.  Toss well.
4. Serve immediately, topped with the ricotta, pine nuts, and parmesan.  

Serves 6

I just stirred in the pine nuts and cheeses.  It didn't look as pretty, but I have found that it's better with the kids if you don't give them options.  You better try this.  It doesn't get any easier than that!