Spinach Artichoke Tortellini

Another RR recipe...this one was delish! (Like my RR impression?) It really tastes just like spinach artichoke dip!

It made a huge bowl of it, but we ate it all nonetheless. The kids even liked it, once they got over the fact that it had--gasp!--spinach in it. I told Logan to close his eyes and just take one bite. I used my standard phrase, "if you die when you eat the bite, I won't make you finish it." Glad they don't really get that yet, it is still an effective bargaining tool :)


Spinach-Artichoke Cheesy Tortellini--From Rachael Ray Express Lane Meals

1 10-ounce box frozen spinach
2 tablespoons EVOO
1 tablespoon butter
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 small onion, peeled and halved
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup heavy cream (I used fat free half and half and it worked great)
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1 14-ounce can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
A couple of handfuls grated Parigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano cheese
Salt and pepper
1 pound cheese tortellini (I used one bag of the frozen variety)

Bring a large pot of water to a boil to cook the pasta. Microwave the spinach on high for 6 minutes to defrost.

Heat a deep skillet over medium heat with the EVOO and butter. When the butter melts and is hot, add the garlic. Using a box grater, grate the onion directly into the skillet. Saute the onions and garlic for 5 minutes. Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the stock, then the cream, and bring the sauce to a bubble. Season the sauce with nutmeg and reduce the heat to low.

Place the defrosted spinach in a clean kitchen towel and wring it dry. Separate it as you add it to the sauce. Stir in the chopped artichokes and the cheese, then season with salt and pepper.

Cook the tortellini according to package directions, about 3-5 minutes. Drain well, toss with the sauce, serve immediately.

Ok...am I the only one who is just now finding out about Take Home Chef? It's a show on TLC and it's great! I want him to find me in the store and come home and make me dinner. But I would be really embarrassed if I wasn't allowed to come in and tidy up a little before they came in! Oh well, it would still be worth it.

I'm still reading the same book as yesterday. I don't have an audio going , I finished up Digging to American and haven't made it to the library yet. Nothing I have on hold has come in--just wait, all of my audio books will come in at the same time!