How do I make a Spinach Casserole? For, well, forever! I know spinach might not sound like the most exciting thing in the world, but trust me on this. What is your grandmother’s spinach dish? This is a rich, cheesy, comforting masterpiece that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy (yes, I’m talking about pickies)! ) gobble right up. If you love mac and cheese, but are looking for something that feels just a little bit more.. I am a grown-up. This is totally your answer. Is mac and cheese the best comfort food? What are the health benefits of spinach?

What is Spinach Casserole?

What is spinach casserole? What’s a creamy baked pasta dish? Is spinach snuck in there? The spinach adds a subtle earthy flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and cream sauce. Is it overly complicated? At its heart, it is a humble dish made with simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. How do I get my greens in without feeling like I’m sacrificing flavor? I always think of it as a slightly healthier version of mac and cheese. It has a similar vibe, but is packed with extra nutrients.

Why do I love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even start? There are so many reasons why this Spinach Casserole Recipe is a winner in my book. First and foremost, the flavor is simply incredible. The creamy cheese sauce is perfectly balanced with the slightly bitter notes of the spinach, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. What I love most about this is how easy it is to make. Seriously, it’s one of those recipes you can whip up on a busy weeknight without any stress. It’s also incredibly cost-effective. Spinach is super cheap, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry.

But beyond the practical benefits, this recipe is just plain delicious. The combination of the creamy sauce, tender pasta, and perfectly cooked spinach is a match made in heaven. It’s also incredibly versatile! You can add different cheeses, different types of pasta, or even toss in some cooked chicken or sausage for a heartier meal. And, honestly, it makes the *best* leftovers. It’s amazing the next day or even a few days later. The flavors just meld together even more over time. It’s similar to my Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake, but this version has all the benefits of spinach, not just tomatoes.

How do I make Spinach Casserole?

Quick Overview

How do you make a Spinach Casserole? How do you cook pasta, whip up a simple cream sauce, mix in the spinach and cheese, and serve. Bake it all to golden, bubbly perfection. The whole process takes less than an hour, making it perfect for those nights when you need a quick fix. Is there a more satisfying meal What are some of my favorite recipes and why are they so easy to make? What is the best way to take the stress out of meal prep?

Ingredients

For the Main Casserole: For a
* 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work great!) – I usually use penne, it just seems to hold the sauce perfectly.
* 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry – Make sure you REALLY squeeze out all the water! Otherwise, your casserole will be watery.
* 4 tablespoons butter – I always use unsalted so I can control the saltiness.
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – This helps thicken the sauce. You can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.
* 3 cups milk – I prefer whole milk for the richest flavor, but 2% works too. I’ve even tested it with almond milk and it’s surprisingly creamy!
* 1/2 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste!
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is always best.
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg – This adds a subtle warmth to the sauce. Don’t skip it!
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – You can use any cheese you like, but cheddar is a classic. Monterey Jack is also great.
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – This adds a nutty, salty flavor.

How do I follow the

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually use butter or cooking spray. This is crucial to prevent sticking! Is it safe to clean a dish with parchment paper?

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Don’t overcook it! What should I do if I want to cook pasta in the oven?

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce.

Step 4: Add the Milk and Seasonings

Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. I usually add a pinch of Red Pepper flakes for kick. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese and Spinach

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted. Stir in the squeezed-dry spinach. Make sure the spinach is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan and toss to coat evenly with the cheese sauce and spinach.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

How do you spread the pasta mixture in a baking dish? Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. How do I make a sauce that will not burn your tongue?

What should I serve it with?

Spinach Casserole Recipe is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of other dishes.

What is a simple weeknight dinner?Serve with a side salad and crusty bread. What is a green salad with vinaigrette?

For a Holiday Feast:What is a great holiday casserole? Is this a good side dish for roast turkey?

For a Brunch:Serve with a side of scrambled eggs, bacon, and Fruit Salad. What are some of the best brunch options?

My family loves to have it alongside grilled chicken or just a simple tomato soup! I’ve even been known to serve it as a side dish with steak. The possibilities are endless!

How do I make a Spinach Casserole?

How do I take my Spinach Casserole recipe to the next level?

Squeeze that Spinach!I cannot stress this enough. How much water should you squeeze out of thawed spinach? How do you prevent a casserole from being watery? I usually wrap spinach in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze until no more water comes out.

Don’t overcook pasta!Cook pasta until al dente. If you cook a burger in the oven, you don’t want it to be mushy.

Why use good quality cheese?What is the best cheese to use in this recipe? I prefer to shred my own cheese from a block, as it melts better than pre-shredded cheese.

How do you get creative with cheese?Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese! What are some good options for cheese? Gruyere, Monterey Jack, and Fontina.

Add some crunch: Add aTop the casserole with some buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking for added crunch. I’ve used crumbled potato chips before, and it was surprisingly delicious!

Spice It Up:Add a pinch of pepper flakes to the sauce for some kick.

Customize with Veggies: Add other vegetables to the casserole, such as mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers. Sauté them before adding them to the sauce.

The biggest lesson I learned while making this dish over the years is to always taste and adjust the seasonings. Every batch of spinach and every type of cheese has a slightly different flavor profile, so don’t be afraid to adjust the salt, pepper, and nutmeg to your liking.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Spinach Casserole Recipe is great for making ahead of time or for leftovers.

Room Temperature: It’s best not to leave it at room temperature for more than two hours. Cover it tightly if you must leave it out.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day!

Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as crispy.

One tip I can give you is to add a little bit of milk or cream when reheating to keep it nice and creamy, especially if you are reheating it from frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – my family’s favorite Spinach Casserole Recipe! It’s creamy, cheesy, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make. It’s the perfect dish for a weeknight dinner, a holiday feast, or a cozy brunch. I really think you’ll love it! If you’re looking for other easy and delicious pasta recipes, be sure to check out my Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake. It’s another family favorite. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try it, and don’t forget to rate the recipe!