Iniviting Italian

Ok. In my opinion there's no real challenge to cooking if you have no parameters on healthiness. Seriously, if you add the right amount of butter, ANYTHING can taste good! (see recipe below for proof)

So, I'm ALWAYS on the look out for a HEALTHY recipe that still tastes great...which is actually more challenging than you'd think.

But, this time around I was feeling skinny and didn't spare ANY calories creating this recipe. So, eat smart in your portion size...

Here's a recipe I concocted the other night for some guests. I'm sure there's a recipe just like it out there, so I'm not claiming rights or anything. Just thought of it on the spot, and THANKFULLY it turned out to be delicious!!

I didn't actually measure any of these ingredients, so you too can feel free to adjust them.

Inviting Italian Pasta
5 tbsp. olive oil
3 tbsp. butter
1 med. onion, chopped
8 cloves of garlic (or more to taste)
1 tsp. prepared Italian seasoning (basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary, garlic)
3 oz. cream cheese (red. fat is a GREAT option)
1/2 c. heavy whipping cream (I know, this is terrible! you could try milk instead but it may not be as rich)
1/2 c. diced fresh tomatoes
3/4 c. frozen spinach
salt & pepper to taste
pasta (linguine or bowtie will make it look more elegant)

Melt the butter with the olive oil in a LARGE pot/ skillet. Add onion, garlic, & Italian seasoning until soft & fragrant. Stirring often. Add cream cheese & cream, stirring frequently until melted. Add tomatoes, spinach, salt & pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce to LOW simmer for 30 min, stirring every so often. Boil water for pasta & prepare as directed. Add cooked pasta to prepared sauce and mix thoroughly. Serve Hot.

Notes:
Feeds 6 adults.
Taste testing is always a must. Try it as you go and make sure you're on the right track.
Artichoke would be STUNNING with this recipe. Try it!
As a side, we had steamed asparagus with cayenne pepper.

Hope you love it! We sure did! EVERYONE went back for 2nds and 3rds!