The Marvelous Hulk Pasta

As a busy parent, finding a meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare is always a win. But when you throw a finicky 5-year-old into the mix, the stakes get even higher. That was my challenge when I was tasked with creating a meal that my son, Albi, would not only eat but also love. Enter the superhero of the dinner table: Hulk Pasta!

**The Origin Story of Hulk Pasta**

It all started one evening when Albi, my adventurous little superhero, turned his nose up at yet another plate of plain pasta. Frustrated but determined, I needed a solution that would not only be nutritious but also irresistible to my picky eater. The idea struck me like a lightning bolt—what if I could turn our pasta into something fun and exciting? And thus, Hulk Pasta was born.

Inspired by the green giant himself, Hulk, this dish was designed to not only be healthy but to also capture Albi’s imagination. With its vibrant green sauce and cheesy goodness, Hulk Pasta was more than just a meal—it was a superhero adventure on a plate.

**Ingredients:**

- 250 grams of spiral pasta

- 1 block of cream cheese

- 1 cup of grated cheese

- 1 bag of frozen spinach

- 500 grams of chicken (diced)

- 300 millilitres of cream

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Chicken and Pasta:** Start by frying off the diced chicken in a pan until it’s golden and cooked through. While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil and parboil the spiral pasta until it’s slightly undercooked. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. **Make the Green Sauce:** In a saucepan, combine the cream cheese, grated cheese, and cream. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the cheeses have melted and the mixture is smooth. Add the frozen spinach (no need to thaw it first) and continue cooking for a few more minutes. Once the spinach is heated through, use a blender or food processor to blitz the mixture until it’s a vibrant green sauce.
3. **Combine and Bake:** In an oiled casserole dish, combine the cooked chicken and pasta. Pour the green sauce over the top, making sure everything is well coated. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

**A Budget-Friendly Superhero Meal**

One of the best things about Hulk Pasta is how budget-friendly it is. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or items you can find at any grocery store. The frozen spinach is an especially economical choice, providing a healthy boost without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken, making it a fantastic option for reducing food waste.

**Why Kids (and Parents) Will Love It**

Hulk Pasta’s appeal goes beyond just its superhero name. The creamy, cheesy sauce with its vibrant green colour is visually fun and tastes amazing. The combination of pasta, chicken, and spinach offers a well-rounded meal that’s not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. And for parents like me, it’s incredibly satisfying to see Albi eagerly gobbling up a dish that’s as healthy as it is delicious.

So the next time you’re in need of a meal that will please both kids and adults, give Hulk Pasta a try. It’s a simple, affordable, and fun way to bring a bit of superhero magic to your dinner table. Plus, it’s always nice to have a dish that makes your little ones feel like they’re eating like their favourite comic book heroes!

**Bon Appétit, and here’s to many more superhero dinners!**

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