Creamy Spinach Pasta Casserole

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This comforting one-pot dish combines tender pasta with fresh baby spinach and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Onion and garlic are sautéed to build flavor, then the pasta cooks gently in vegetable broth and cream with a blend of dried herbs and spices. Fresh spinach and cream cheese are stirred in just before the pasta reaches al dente, then melted mozzarella and Parmesan create a luscious, cheesy finish. Garnished with parsley and extra cheese, it’s a cozy and quick meal ideal for busy evenings.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:34:00 GMT
A bubbling pot of The Magic Casserole: Creamy Spinach Pasta, fragrant and cheesy. Save
A bubbling pot of The Magic Casserole: Creamy Spinach Pasta, fragrant and cheesy. | brilliantcrust.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.

This was a hit during busy weeknights when I needed something quick yet 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

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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.
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Slice meats, cheeses, and bread evenly for sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and precise meal prep.
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Slice meats, cheeses, and bread evenly for sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and precise meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Golden, creamy The Magic Casserole: Creamy Spinach Pasta with wilted spinach, ready to serve. Save
Golden, creamy The Magic Casserole: Creamy Spinach Pasta with wilted spinach, ready to serve. | brilliantcrust.com

This recipe quickly became a family favorite on chilly evenings, often prompting requests for seconds.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains milk (cream, cheese) and wheat (pasta). May contain gluten use gluten-free pasta if needed. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 570, Total Fat 27 g, Carbohydrates 60 g, Protein 20 g

Tender pasta swimming in a rich sauce, showcased as The Magic Casserole: Creamy Spinach Pasta. Save
Tender pasta swimming in a rich sauce, showcased as The Magic Casserole: Creamy Spinach Pasta. | brilliantcrust.com
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Enjoy this creamy spinach pasta casserole as a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and pleases all ages.

Creamy Spinach Pasta Casserole

Comforting one-pot pasta with spinach and creamy cheese sauce, perfect for easy weeknight meals.

Time to prep
10 min
Time to cook
25 min
Overall time
35 min
Created by Isabella Davis


Skill level Easy

Culinary roots International

Makes 4 Number of servings

Diet considerations Vegetarian

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

How To Make It

Step 01

Sauté onions: 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.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Season the mixture: Add dried oregano, dried basil, ground nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and optional chili flakes. Stir thoroughly to combine.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Add spinach and cream cheese: Incorporate chopped fresh spinach and cream cheese. Continue cooking and stirring intermittently until pasta is al dente and spinach has wilted, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 07

Melt cheeses: Fold in grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until fully melted and sauce reaches a creamy consistency.

Step 08

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

Step 09

Serve: Plate hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if preferred.

What you'll need

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

Allergy notice

Check each ingredient for allergens and get medical advice if you're unsure.
  • Contains milk (cream, cheese) and wheat (pasta). May contain gluten; use gluten-free pasta if required.

Nutritional info (per serving)

Nutrition info is meant to guide only—it's not a replacement for professional medical input.
  • Calories: 570
  • Fats: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Proteins: 20 g