Save to Pinterest 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
- 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.
Save to Pinterest 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
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This magic casserole is a simple dish that makes weeknight dinners delicious and fuss free.