Cheesy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Casserole
This Cheesy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Casserole is a comforting and delicious way to transform leftover ingredients into a delightful dish. It's packed with wholesome whole wheat rotini, sautéed mushrooms, fresh baby spinach, and a rich marinara sauce, all topped with gooey mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this pasta bake is not only tasty but also freezes exceptionally well for future meals. Serve it alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love. Enjoy the layers of flavor and melty goodness!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
rotini pasta
8 ounces (Whole wheat preferred)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (For sautéing)
onion
1/4 cup (Chopped)
garlic
1 teaspoon (Chopped)
fresh mushrooms
4 ounces (Sliced)
fresh baby spinach
5 ounces (Cleaned and roughly chopped)
red wine
2-3 tablespoons (Optional, for flavor)
marinara sauce
2 cups (Store-bought or homemade)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (Optional, to taste)
grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (For mixing in and flavor)
mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (Shredded)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish of this recipe?
The dish is a Cheesy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Casserole, which is a comforting pasta bake.
Is this pasta casserole vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
What kind of pasta is recommended for this casserole?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of rotini pasta, with whole wheat rotini being the preferred choice.
Can I freeze this pasta casserole?
Yes, this dish is freezer-friendly and freezes exceptionally well for future meals.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
What vegetables are included in the casserole?
The main vegetables are 4 ounces of sliced fresh mushrooms and 5 ounces of fresh baby spinach.
What kind of sauce is used for the base?
The recipe requires 2 cups of marinara sauce, which can be either store-bought or homemade.
Is there any alcohol used in this recipe?
The recipe suggests 2-3 tablespoons of red wine as an optional ingredient for added flavor.
How much garlic and onion should I use?
You will need 1/4 cup of chopped onion and 1 teaspoon of chopped garlic.
What oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of olive oil for sautéing.
Are there any spicy ingredients in this dish?
Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon) are listed as an optional ingredient to add heat to taste.
How should the spinach be prepared?
The fresh baby spinach should be cleaned and roughly chopped before being added to the dish.
What are the recommended seasonings?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, both to be adjusted to taste.
What should I serve with this pasta bake?
It is recommended to serve this casserole alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 13 total ingredients listed for this recipe.
Can I use regular white pasta instead of whole wheat?
While whole wheat is preferred for its wholesome qualities, regular rotini pasta can be substituted.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is a great way to use up leftover ingredients.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It features layers of savory mushrooms, fresh spinach, rich marinara, and melty mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
How much mozzarella is needed?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Can I omit the mushrooms if I don't like them?
While they are a main ingredient, you could omit them or substitute with another vegetable, though it will change the flavor profile.
What is the purpose of the Parmesan cheese?
The Parmesan is used for mixing into the pasta and for adding an extra layer of flavor on top.
Is this a good meal for a family dinner?
Absolutely, it is described as perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.
Does the recipe specify a type of mushroom?
The recipe lists fresh mushrooms, sliced, which can be any variety like white button or cremini.
How much red wine should I add?
If you choose to use it, add 2-3 tablespoons for enhanced flavor.
Is this dish considered a 'comfort food'?
Yes, 'comfort food' is one of the primary tags for this cheesy pasta casserole.
How much pasta is required for the casserole?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of rotini pasta.
What makes the casserole 'cheesy'?
The combination of 8 ounces of mozzarella and 1/4 cup of Parmesan creates the cheesy topping and filling.
Can I use dried spinach instead of fresh?
The recipe specifically calls for 5 ounces of fresh baby spinach for the best texture and flavor.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, because it is freezer-friendly and easy to bake, it is excellent for preparing in advance.
What type of pasta shape is recommended?
Rotini is the recommended shape because its spirals hold the sauce and cheese well.