Creamy Spinach Pasta Casserole

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This comforting one-pot dish combines tender penne or fusilli pasta with fresh baby spinach, simmered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Aromatic herbs and a touch of nutmeg enhance the flavor profile. The cooking method ensures the pasta is perfectly al dente while the spinach wilts gently into a luscious blend. Garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, it’s an ideal choice for easy weeknight dinners that satisfy the whole family.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 11:06:00 GMT
Close-up of The Magic Casserole: Creamy Spinach Pasta, bubbling hot with melted cheese and herbs. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of The Magic Casserole: Creamy Spinach Pasta, bubbling hot with melted cheese and herbs. | chromespoon.com

A comforting and flavorful one-pot casserole featuring tender pasta, fresh spinach, and a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and sure to please the whole family.

Making this casserole has become a go-to meal in our household for hectic evenings it always receives rave reviews from family and friends.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) penne or fusilli pasta (uncooked)
  • Vegetables: 200 g (7 oz) fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped, 1 medium onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Dairy & Liquids: 700 ml (3 cups) vegetable broth, 200 ml (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp) heavy cream, 120 g (1 cup) grated mozzarella cheese, 50 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp cream cheese
  • Seasonings: 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, Salt and black pepper, to taste, Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
  • Garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped (optional), Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

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Step 1:
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 23 minutes until softened.
Step 2:
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3:
Stir in the uncooked pasta, vegetable broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Step 4:
Add the dried oregano, basil, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using. Stir well.
Step 5:
Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6:
Add the chopped spinach and cream cheese. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the spinach is wilted (about 57 minutes).
Step 7:
Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
Step 8:
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 9:
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
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Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
Check price on Amazon
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Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
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Save to Pinterest
| chromespoon.com

This casserole always brings us together especially during cold evenings it truly feels like a warm family hug.

Notes

For extra flavor add sautéed mushrooms or sun dried tomatoes Substitute whole wheat pasta for added fiber To make it vegan use plant based cream cheese and pasta

Required Tools

Large deep skillet or Dutch oven Cutting board and knife Wooden spoon or spatula Measuring cups and spoons

Nutritional Information

Calories 570 Total Fat 27 g Carbohydrates 60 g Protein 20 g per serving

A steaming bowl of The Magic Casserole: creamy spinach pasta, perfect for a cozy dinner tonight. Save to Pinterest
A steaming bowl of The Magic Casserole: creamy spinach pasta, perfect for a cozy dinner tonight. | chromespoon.com
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This magic casserole is a simple dish that makes weeknight dinners delicious and fuss free.

Creamy Spinach Pasta Casserole

Delight in tender pasta and fresh spinach cooked with a smooth, cheesy sauce for a warm meal.

Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
25 minutes
Overall time
35 minutes
Recipe by Marissa Cook


Skill level Easy

Cuisine International

Portion size 4 Portions

Dietary info Vegetarian-friendly

What You'll Need

Pasta

01 10 oz penne or fusilli pasta (uncooked)

Vegetables

01 7 oz fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
02 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy & Liquids

01 3 cups vegetable broth
02 3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp heavy cream
03 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
04 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 2 tbsp cream cheese

Seasonings

01 1/2 tsp dried oregano
02 1/2 tsp dried basil
03 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
04 Salt and black pepper, to taste
05 Pinch of chili flakes (optional)

Garnish

01 Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
02 Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 01

Sauté onion: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the chopped onion for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.

Step 02

Add garlic: Incorporate minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 03

Combine pasta and liquids: Stir in uncooked pasta, vegetable broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower heat to a simmer.

Step 04

Season: Add dried oregano, dried basil, ground nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if using. Stir thoroughly.

Step 05

Simmer pasta: Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 06

Add spinach and cream cheese: Stir in chopped spinach and cream cheese. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and spinach is wilted, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 07

Melt cheeses: Incorporate grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and sauce is creamy.

Step 08

Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed.

Step 09

Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Needed equipment

  • Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Notes

Double-check your ingredients for allergens and always talk to your doctor if you're not sure.
  • Contains milk (cream, cheese) and wheat (pasta). May contain gluten; use gluten-free pasta if necessary. Verify ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition details (per portion)

Use these nutrition facts for reference—they don't replace advice from your doctor.
  • Energy (kcal): 570
  • Fat content: 27 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 60 grams
  • Proteins: 20 grams