Spinach Cavatappi Gratin

Directions

1. 1
   I a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package directions until almost tender, adding carrots for the last 1 minute of cooking time; drain, set aside.
2. 2
   Return pot to medium heat and melt butter.
3. 3
   Add garlic, paprika, 3/4 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoons pepper and saute for 1 minute.
4. 4
   Gradually whisk in hot milk.
5. 5
   Whisk flour into cold milk and ewhisk into pot.
6. 6
   Cook stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes or untl bubbling and thickened.
7. 7
   Remove from heat.
8. 8
   Stir in pasta, spinach and half of the Parmesan cheese until spinach is wilted.
9. 9
   Season to taste with salt and pepper.
10. 10
    Meanwhile, preheat broiler.
11. 11
    Butter and 8-10 cup shallow casserole or baking dish.
12. 12
    Spoon pasta into prepared dish and soprinkle iwrh bread crumbs and remaining Parmesan cheese.
13. 13
    Broil for 2-3 minutes or until topping is golden.
14. 14
    FOR THE ADVENTUROUS: Use smoked paprika in place of the regular or add 5 oz chopped smoked salmon.
15. 15
    Use Swiss chard instead of spinach, adding to sauce and cooking for 1 minute before adding pasta.