Creamy Spinach Pasta One-Pot

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.

This recipe quickly became my go to on busy days because it is both easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying.

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

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

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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 2 3 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 5 7 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.

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

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This dish always brings the family together around the dinner table sharing stories and laughter.

Additional Tips

For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or sun drying tomatoes. Try substituting whole wheat pasta for added fiber.

Vegan Adaptations

To make this vegan, use plant based cream, cheese, and pasta alternatives.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

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Keeps paper towels accessible for wiping spills, drying hands, and cleaning surfaces while cooking.

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This creamy spinach pasta casserole is sure to become a favorite quick meal in your household.

Common Questions

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Penne or fusilli pasta hold the sauce well and cook evenly in this one-pot method.

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Fresh spinach is recommended for texture and flavor, but thawed frozen spinach can be used if pressed dry to avoid excess moisture.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from sticking during cooking?

Stir occasionally while simmering and ensure there’s enough liquid to cook the pasta evenly without sticking.

→ Is it possible to make this dish vegan-friendly?

Yes, substitute plant-based cream, vegan cheese, and pasta to achieve a similar creamy texture and flavor.

→ Can I add other vegetables for extra flavor?

Sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes can be added before simmering to enhance the dish.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.