Spinach Alfredo Pizza

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)

* 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
* 1 (10 ounce) container Alfredo Sauce
* 1 (6 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
* 1 (10 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* 2 unbaked pizza crusts
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced black olives (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread pizza crusts out onto baking sheets or pizza pans.
2. Place the spinach and Alfredo sauce in a saucepan, and warm over medium heat. Stir occasionally. Spread 1tablespoon of olive oil onto each pizza crust. Spoon half of the Alfredo and spinach onto each crust, then arrange artichoke hearts over the sauce layer. Top each pizza with half of the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle mushrooms and black olives on top.
3. Bake pizzas one at a time for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the bottom is nicely browned.

Italian Wedding Soup

* 2 (32-ounce) cartons chicken broth
* 1 pound lean ground beef
* 2 eggs, lightly beaten
* ¼ cup bread crumbs
* 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
* 1 (6-ounce) package baby spinach
* 1 cup small pasta, such as ditalini or orzo


In a large pot over high heat, heat the chicken broth to boiling.

While the broth is heating, in a large mixing bowl, combine the beef, eggs, bread crumbs, and Parmesan cheese, working well (or mixing with your hands to thoroughly blend).

Form mixture into small meatballs, less than 1-inch in diameter.

To the boiling chicken broth, add the meatballs, spinach, and pasta. Return to boiling, then reduce the heat to medium, keeping the broth in a small rolling boil.

Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through.

Serve in bowls and pass extra Parmesan cheese.

Gnocchi With Spinach and Ricotta

• 1 (1-pound) package potato gnocchi
• 1 cup fat-free half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 (10-ounce) bag prewashed baby spinach leaves
• ½ cup nonfat ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded part skim mozzarella cheese

1. Preheat the broiler and move top oven rack 4 to 6 inches from heat.
2. In a large pot of lightly salted boiling water, cook the gnocchi according to package directions (gnocchi will float to surface when done). Drain and set aside.
3. Meanwhile, in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, combine the half-and-half, flour, salt, pepper and nutmeg, stirring well to mix with a wire whisk. Bring mixture to a boil. Continue to boil for 2 minutes, whisking frequently.
4. Add spinach in handfuls and cook, stirring frequently until wilted, about 2 to 4 minutes.
5. Remove from heat, then add gnocchi, stirring to mix well.
6. Spoon ricotta over gnocchi in five large dollops and sprinkle with mozzarella. Broil until cheese is lightly browned and bubbling around edges, about 3 minutes.

Courtesy ParentsConnect.com