Baked Penne with Spinach and Proscuitto

 

Can you tell we like proscuitto?  There are so many ways to incorporate it into recipes.

• 1 lb penne 
• 5 T butter 
• ¼ flour 
• 3 c whole milk 
• 2 t kosher salt 
• 10 oz chopped spinach, cooked and squeezed dry 
• ½ lb prosciutto, diced 
• 1 c parmesan cheese 
• salt and pepper to taste 
• 1 stick of butter

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

In a medium pan, place the butter and melt over medium heat.  Add flour and stir until smooth.  Cook for seven minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to brown.  Whisk in the milk a cup at a time until smooth.    Turn off the heat.  Place the sauce in a large bowl.

While making the sauce, cook penne until al dente.  Drain and then toss with the warm sauce.  Stir in the spinach and prosciutto.  Stir in the cheese, salt and pepper.

Pour mixture into a baking pan, dot with butter, sprinkle with more cheese.  Bake for half an hour until golden.