Creamy Spinach Pasta

Cook pasta for a slightly shorter time than package directions, so the pasta still as a little bite. Set aside.

Meanwhile, combine the next eight ingredients (butter, milk, spinach, salt, pepper, garlic powder, ranch dressing, shredded cheese) in a large saute or saucepan. Heat until the cheese is melted and mixture begins to bubble and thicken. Reduce heat to low and add bread crumbs, yogurt, and cooked pasta. Cook until the pasta has soaked up some of the liquid. Mixture will be a little soupy.

Turn the broiler in your oven on high. If the pan you’re using is oven-safe, simply sprinkle Parmesan over the pasta and place the entire pan onto the top rack of the oven. Otherwise, transfer the pasta to an oven-safe baking dish, sprinkle with Parmesan, and place in the oven (top rack). Broil for 4-5 minutes or until cheese has begun to brown a little and mixture looks a little less soupy.

As the pasta cools, it will thicken even more. Serve immediately. Makes about 4-5 servings.

Note: if you don’t want to use ranch dressing mix, use a couple of teaspoons (not tablespoons) of any low-sodium seasoning blend.