Creamy Mostaccioli and Spinach Casserole
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Mostaccioli and Spinach Casserole, a comforting one-dish meal that brings together the rich flavors of cheese, spinach, and tender pasta. This recipe elevates the classic baked pasta dish by using real butter, which adds a depth of flavor that margarine simply can't replicate. Mostaccioli, with its tubular shape, perfectly captures the creamy cheese sauce, while the addition of sautéed onions and garlic enhances the overall taste profile. Topped with a crispy breadcrumb and cheese mixture, this casserole is not only delicious but also eye-catching when served. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table. Enjoy the simplicity and satisfaction of this hearty meal that can be prepared in one pan, making clean-up a breeze!
N/A
Servings
417
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
mostaccioli pasta
8 ounces (uncooked)
butter
2 tablespoons (divided)
onion
1 cup (vertically sliced)
garlic
2 teaspoons (minced)
flour
1/4 cup (none)
skim milk
2 1/2 cups (none)
Parmesan cheese
1 1/4 cups (shredded, divided)
dried Italian seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (with basil, garlic, and oregano)
frozen chopped spinach
1 (10 ounce) package (thawed and drained)
cooking spray
as needed (for coating baking dish)
dry breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (none)
Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (shredded)
parsley sprig
as desired (optional garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2
Cook the mostaccioli pasta according to the package directions, omitting salt and fat. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
3
In a medium heavy saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the vertically sliced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 5 minutes until the onions are tender and translucent.
4
Sprinkle the flour into the saucepan, stirring constantly for approximately 30 seconds to cook the flour slightly.
5
Gradually whisk in the skim milk, continually stirring while you cook for about 4 minutes, or until the mixture becomes bubbly and slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
6
Add 1/4 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, and black pepper to the saucepan, stirring until combined.
7
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked mostaccioli pasta, the prepared cheese sauce, 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese, the canned diced tomatoes (with basil, garlic, and oregano), and the thawed, drained spinach. Stir everything together well.
8
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 13x9-inch baking dish.
9
In a small bowl, mix the dry breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of shredded Parmesan cheese, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is golden brown and crispy. Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs, if desired, before serving.
Nutrition Information
15.5g
Fat
41.7g
Carbs
20.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in the Creamy Mostaccioli and Spinach Casserole?
The main ingredients are mostaccioli pasta, frozen chopped spinach, and a homemade cheese sauce made with Parmesan cheese and skim milk.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 30 minutes or until it is heated through and the top is golden brown.
Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?
While you can, the recipe recommends using real butter because it adds a depth of flavor that margarine cannot replicate.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Mostaccioli pasta is recommended because its tubular shape perfectly captures the creamy cheese sauce.
How much Parmesan cheese is required?
The recipe uses a total of 1 1/4 cups of shredded Parmesan cheese divided into the sauce and the mixture, plus an additional 2 tablespoons for the topping.
How do I prepare the spinach before adding it to the pasta?
The frozen chopped spinach should be completely thawed and drained before being stirred into the mixture.
What size baking dish is needed?
You will need a 13x9-inch baking dish, which should be greased with cooking spray.
What kind of milk is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of skim milk to create the creamy base.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 417 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content per serving is 15.5 grams.
How much protein is in this casserole?
This dish provides 20.8 grams of protein per serving.
Are there specific canned tomatoes I should buy?
Yes, use one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes flavored with basil, garlic, and oregano.
How do I make the crispy topping?
Mix 1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan, and 1 tablespoon melted butter, then sprinkle it over the casserole.
How should the onions be cut?
The onions should be vertically sliced for this recipe.
Should the pasta be fully cooked before baking?
Yes, cook the mostaccioli according to package directions, omitting salt and fat, then drain it before mixing.
What seasonings are used in the cheese sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
How long does it take to sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté them over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until the onions are tender and translucent.
What is the purpose of the flour in the recipe?
The flour is used to create a roux with the butter, which thickens the milk into a creamy sauce.
Can this be served at a potluck?
Yes, this hearty and comforting one-dish meal is ideal for potlucks and family dinners.
Is there a recommended garnish?
You can garnish the finished casserole with fresh parsley sprigs if desired.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 41.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
How much pasta is required for the recipe?
You will need 8 ounces of uncooked mostaccioli pasta.
How long should I cook the milk mixture?
Whisk and cook the milk mixture for about 4 minutes or until it becomes bubbly and slightly thickened.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 15 ingredients, including seasonings and optional garnish.
Is the pasta rinsed after cooking?
The instructions say to drain the pasta, but do not specify rinsing.
Can I use whole milk instead of skim milk?
The recipe specifies skim milk, but whole milk would likely result in an even richer sauce, though it would change the nutritional facts.
What is the first step in preparing the sauce?
The first step is melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium heavy saucepan over medium-high heat.
Is the casserole spicy?
No, it features mild Italian flavors from seasoning and garlic rather than heat.