Make pappardelle and set aside

Heat the olive oil in a small heavy sauce pan over moderate heat for 1 minute; add the onion and garlic and cook, uncovered, until the onion is soft?about 5 minutes

Add the spinach, milk, chicken broth, cheese, and pepper

Bring the mixture to a boil; reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 3 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly

Pour the sauce into an electric blender or food processor and whirl until the mixture is pureed

Pour the sauce back into the saucepan and reheat over moderate heat until the mixture starts to simmer- about 1 minute

Cook pappardelle al dente, drain well and return to the cooking pot

Add the spinach mixture to pasta and toss well with two forks to mix

Transfer to a heated platter and serve

VARIATION: Substitute 3 cups chopped broccoli florets for spinach and puree as directed.