Baked Pasta with Spinach
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Description:
This Baked Pasta with Spinach recipe is an easy-to-make, one-dish meal that combines the richness of cream cheese, the savory flavor of Parmesan, and the goodness of spinach, all layered with pasta and topped with gooey melted mozzarella. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. The creamy spinach filling brings comfort and flavor in every bite, making this recipe a family favorite.
Recipe Category:
One-Dish Meal
Keywords:
< 60 Mins, Oven, Inexpensive
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Penne pasta | 8 oz |
| Cream cheese | 3 oz |
| Milk | 8 oz |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Frozen chopped spinach | 1/4 lb |
| Nutmeg | 1 tsp |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 cup |
| Salt and pepper (to taste) | – |
| Spaghetti sauce (optional) | 1 1/2 cups |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 489.8 kcal |
| Fat Content | 25.5 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 13.8 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 70.2 mg |
| Sodium Content | 998.5 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 49 g |
| Fiber Content | 6.2 g |
| Sugar Content | 11.9 g |
| Protein Content | 18.5 g |
Instructions:
-
Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the penne pasta in a large pot of rapidly boiling salted water. Cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. -
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the cream cheese and milk in a medium bowl. Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This will be the base for the sauce that binds the pasta together. -
Add Spinach and Parmesan:
To the cream cheese mixture, add the frozen chopped spinach (ensure it’s fully thawed and squeezed dry of excess water) and Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine, making sure the spinach is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. -
Season the Mixture:
Season the cream cheese and spinach mixture with a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the creamy base. Set the mixture aside. -
Mix Pasta with Sauce:
In a separate large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the spaghetti sauce (if using). This step adds a layer of tangy tomato flavor to the dish that contrasts beautifully with the creamy spinach mixture. Stir to coat the pasta evenly. -
Layer the Dish:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray. Start by layering half of the pasta mixture in the bottom of the dish. Spread the creamy spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the first layer of pasta. -
Add the Final Layer:
Top the spinach and cream cheese mixture with the remaining half of the pasta. Ensure the layers are even and well distributed. -
Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the dish to heat through. -
Add Mozzarella and Finish Baking:
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly. -
Serve:
Once the cheese is melted and golden brown, remove the dish from the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra grated Parmesan if desired.
Enjoy this creamy and cheesy baked pasta dish with a side of salad or garlic bread for a complete, comforting meal.
Additional Tips:
- Substitute for Spinach: If you don’t have frozen spinach, you can use fresh spinach. Just sauté it in a bit of olive oil until wilted, then chop it finely before adding it to the cream cheese mixture.
- Add Some Protein: For a more filling meal, consider adding cooked chicken, sausage, or even ground beef to the pasta mixture before baking.
- Vegetarian Variation: This dish is already vegetarian, but feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a more hearty and colorful casserole.
- Storage and Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a bit of extra cheese on top for that melted, cheesy finish.
Reviews:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Perfect for a busy weeknight! This baked pasta is so creamy and comforting. My family loved it, especially my kids, who usually don’t go for spinach. The mozzarella and Parmesan give it such great flavor. Will definitely make again!” – Sarah L.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“An easy, inexpensive dinner that tastes like it took hours to make! The cream cheese makes the dish so rich and satisfying, and the spinach is a great addition. This recipe will be on regular rotation in our house.” – Mark D.
This Baked Pasta with Spinach is the ultimate comfort food, and it can be made in just about an hour with ingredients you likely already have on hand. With its creamy texture, cheesy layers, and subtle hint of nutmeg, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite!
