Pasta With Creamy Spinach Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh spinach, stemmed
• 1-2 garlic cloves (optional)
• 1 cup nonfat cottage cheese or low fat cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup low-fat milk
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 1 lb ziti pasta or penne pasta
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. 1

   Bring large pot of water to a boil.

2. 2

   Add 1 tablespoon salt and spinach- Cook 1 minute.

3. 3

   Using slotted spoon, remove spinach (reserve water for pasta) and transfer to bowl of cold water.

4. 4

   Drain and squeeze dry.

5. 5

   Chop coarsely.

6. 6

   Bring spinach water back to a boil. Meanwhile, in food processor fitted with steel blade, mince garlic if using.

7. 7

   Add cottage cheese and blend until fairly smooth.

8. 8

   Add cooked spinach and milk and blend until smooth.

9. 9

   Add nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to shallow serving bowl.

10. 10

    Add pasta to boiling water, stirring to prevent sticking.

11. 11

    Cook until just tender, about 10 minutes- Drain well.

12. 12

    Add pasta to bowl with spinach sauce and toss to coat.

13. 13

    Sprinkle with Parmesan and toss again.

14. 14

    Serve hot.