Creamy Spinach Pasta Casserole (Printable)

One-pot creamy pasta with spinach and a rich cheese sauce, ready in under 35 minutes.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 10 oz penne or fusilli pasta, uncooked

→ Vegetables

02 - 7 oz fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy & Liquids

05 - 3 cups vegetable broth
06 - 3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp heavy cream
07 - 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
08 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 2 tbsp cream cheese

→ Seasonings

10 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
11 - 1/2 tsp dried basil
12 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
13 - Salt, to taste
14 - Black pepper, to taste
15 - Pinch of chili flakes (optional)

→ Garnish

16 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
17 - Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat a splash of olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
02 - Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Stir in uncooked pasta, vegetable broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
04 - Incorporate dried oregano, basil, nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if using. Stir to combine evenly.
05 - Cover and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
06 - Add chopped spinach and cream cheese to the skillet. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and spinach is wilted, about 5 to 7 minutes.
07 - Stir in grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and sauce achieves a creamy texture.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Easy one-pot meal that saves time and cleanup
  • Delicious creamy cheese sauce with fresh spinach
02 -
  • For extra flavor add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes
  • Substitute whole wheat pasta for added fiber
03 -
  • Do not overcook the pasta to maintain texture
  • Use fresh parsley garnish for added flavor and color
Go Back