Spinach & Mushroom Rotini

Spinach and mushroom make for a wonderful combination. And with whole grain rotini, the taste is almost heavenly. This is one of my favourite recipes, one I created on one of those long winter evenings when I had a craving for a hearty yet healthy meal!! I am sharing this with all pasta lovers via Presto Pasta Night, hosted by the lovely Ruth.

Ingredients:
3 cups whole grain rotini
1 cup frozen spinach
1 1/2 cups mushrooms, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 cup milk
1 cup vegetable stock
2 tbsp low fat cream cheese
1/4 cup pepper jack cheese, grated
Parmesan cheese, shaved
1 small green pepper, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp cornflour
Salt, to taste
Black Pepper, freshly ground

Method:

1. Boil the pasta as per instructions on the packet in plenty of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
2. Heat the oil in a large heavy bottomed saucepan. Add the garlic and stir. Next add the onions and and fry until golden brown.
3. Add the peppers and mushrooms, stir and cover the pan and let the vegetables cook for 3 minutes.
4. Microwave the spinach for 6 minutes on high, and add to the saucepan. Mix well with the peppers, mushrooms, and onions.
5. In a separate bowl, blend together the stock, milk, and cornflour. Pour into the pan and stir to make a sauce with the cooked vegetables. When the liquid begins to thicken, blend in the cheeses, and season with the salt and pepper. Your spinach and mushroom pasta sauce is now ready.
6. Now add the cooked rotini to the pasta sauce. Mix well.

Serve this deliciously creamy pasta very hot, topped with shavings of Parmesan cheese.

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