Hamburger Helper

... our version

So I saw the recipe for Penne with Spinach Sauce on Everyday Italian with Giada.

It was one day while I was at home feeding Eva. I love the cooking network - it was the only thing I really watched when I was on maternity leave. It looked fast, simple and easy. So I kept it in the memory banks.

Then one night I had some ground turkey that needed to be dinner. Either that or it was going to be wasted... and the recipe came back to mind. Turkey could be a great addition to the sauce. We also had spinach on hand - some that was getting a little wilty even... perfect.

In the end, it was a little hamburger helperish... with ground meat and sauce... ooh but it tasted much better. I think it would be just as great with chicken tenderloins or left over turkey.

So here is my version:

Turkey and Spinach over Penne

1 lb. ground turkey

2 cloves garlic

4 oz. goat cheese (I used an entire small log)

4 oz. cream cheese (I used half a box)

1 bag of baby spinach - I think 12 oz.

4 tbsp. olive oil

1/4 c. Parmesan cheese (I used Asiago - it was in the fridge)

2 tsp crushed red pepper

salt and pepper

1 lb. whole wheat pasta

Cook the pasta as directed.

Heat 2 tbsp. oil and crushed red pepper over medium heat. Add garlic and turkey and cook through.

In food processor, combine half the spinach, the goat cheese, cream cheese, and 2 tbsp. oil until smooth.

On medium/low heat add the sauce to the turkey and the rest of the whole spinach. Once the spinach is wilted down add the grated cheese and dinner is served.

I sauteed some red bell pepper and mushrooms to go on the side... so yummy!

As a side note - if you don't keep goat cheese on hand - or have never had it - PLEASE try it. It is a great way to make cream sauces. It also is a jar away from being a great appetizer. I will post that recipe tomorrow...