Dinner on a Dime: Prosciutto, Spinach, and Pasta Casserole

So it's been a while since I have posted a dinner on a dime because we have been making normal (but cheap) meals and didn't see the need to post how to make red beans and rice. :)

But tonight we made Prosciutto, Spinach, and Pasta Casserole and it was AMAZING!--but only if you like onions, spinach and tomatoes.

Yu can find the original recipe HERE

Before I get into the ingredients let me say that if you don't like prosciutto (or have no idea what it is) I think this meal would be great with cooked chicken, bacon, or even ham!

Ingredients:
2 2/3 cups dried bow ties, penne, or ziti (8 ounces)
2 medium onions, cut into thin wedges, or 5 medium leeks, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon anise seeds, crushed---I didn't have any so I used fennel
1 3/4 cups milk
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus some for serving
1 10 ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
2 ounces prosciutto, cut into thin bite-size strips
1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped

I also added some other seasonings from my spice rack!

Now here is what you do:
1. Cook pasta according to the package directions. Drain; rinse pasta with cold water. Drain again.

2. In a large saucepan cook onion and garlic I added a Roma tomato as well, in hot butter about 5 minutes or until onion is tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in flour and anise seeds and any other seasonings. Add the milk and chicken broth all at once. Cook and stir until slightly thickened and bubbly. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Stir in the cooked pasta, spinach, and prosciutto. Spoon the mixture into a 2-quart casserole.

3. Bake, covered, in a 350 degrees F oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through. Let stand about 5 minutes. To serve, stir gently and top with chopped tomato and Parmesan cheese.
We served it with salad and garlic bread (that we already had)

My Cost:
Prosciutto: $3.50
Pasta: $.50
Spinach: $1.08
Milk: $.45

Total: $5.53

And it definitely made enough for us to have leftovers Friday night and lunch for me on Friday!

So a total of around $5 for 2 nights of good meals! :)