Creamy Spinach and Cheese Pasta Bake (Printable Version)
Comforting baked pasta loaded with creamy cheese sauce, tender spinach, and a golden breadcrumb topping. Easy to prepare and perfect for families.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 10.5 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
→ Vegetables
02 - 7 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Cheese & Dairy
05 - 1 cup whole milk
06 - 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream
07 - 7 oz shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
08 - 2 oz grated Parmesan cheese, divided
09 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Seasonings
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
13 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Topping
14 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
15 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
# Step-by-Step:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
02 - Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute more.
04 - Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and nutmeg.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Gradually pour in milk and cream, mixing until smooth.
06 - Add half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan. Stir until cheese melts and sauce reaches creamy consistency.
07 - Combine cooked pasta with sauce mixture. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
08 - Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
09 - In a small bowl, toss panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly over pasta.
10 - Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and topping is golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The way the cream cheese melts into every crevice of the pasta creates little pockets of creamy bliss that store-bought sauces never quite achieve.
- Its that rare dish that actually tastes better the next day, making those lunch leftovers something youll find yourself looking forward to while still eating dinner.
02 -
- Never rinse your pasta after cooking unless you want the sauce to slide right off instead of clinging to each piece.
- If your sauce seems too thick before baking, add a splash of the starchy pasta water which works miracles to loosen it up while maintaining creaminess.
03 -
- Shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded packages which contain anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting and can make your sauce grainy.
- Let the pasta bake rest for a full 5 minutes after removing from the oven, as this allows the molten cheese to set slightly and makes serving neater.