Creamy Spinach Pasta Quiche
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Spinach Pasta Quiche, perfect for any meal of the day. This dish combines a savory pasta crust with a rich and creamy spinach filling, creating a satisfying and wholesome one-dish meal. It's ideal for family gatherings, brunch, or even as a light dinner. The vibrant colors and flavors will impress your guests, making it a great addition to any table. Serve it hot or at room temperature, and enjoy the deliciousness of spinach and pasta in every bite.
6
Servings
200
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spaghetti or linguine
6 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
Margarine or butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Egg
1 (beaten, for the pasta crust)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Fresh spinach
4 ounces (rinsed and chopped (or alternatively, use 5 ounces of frozen chopped spinach))
Green onion
1/4 cup (thinly sliced)
Parsley
1/4 cup (snipped)
Light cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Eggs
2 (beaten, for the filling)
Skim milk
1/2 cup (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (crushed)
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large Dutch oven, cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta well.
3
Return the hot pasta to the Dutch oven and add the margarine or butter. Toss the pasta until the fat has melted and coats the noodles evenly.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 egg and Parmesan cheese, then add it to the pasta, tossing once more to evenly coat the mixture.
5
Press the pasta mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a greased 10-inch quiche dish or pie plate, forming a crust.
6
Bake the pasta crust in the preheated oven for 7 to 10 minutes or until just set, then remove from the oven.
7
While the crust is baking, rinse and chop the fresh spinach. In a medium saucepan, add the chopped spinach along with just enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. Cover and cook over medium heat for about 2 minutes until steam begins to form.
8
Reduce the heat and continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes until the spinach is tender, stirring frequently. If using frozen spinach, simply prepare according to package directions.
9
Drain the spinach thoroughly and then mix in the sliced green onion and snipped parsley.
10
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and 2 eggs with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and well combined.
11
Stir in the spinach mixture, skim milk, salt, oregano, and pepper into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
12
Pour the spinach filling into the prepared pasta shell, spreading it evenly.
13
Cover the edges of the pasta crust with foil to prevent over-browning.
14
Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it stand for 10 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Information
10.7
Fat
18.7
Carbs
8.3
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spinach Pasta Quiche?
It is a savory dish that combines a unique crust made from spaghetti or linguine with a rich filling of cream cheese, spinach, and eggs.
What type of pasta should be used for the crust?
The recipe recommends using 6 ounces of spaghetti or linguine, cooked until al dente.
What temperature should I set the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before starting the preparation.
How is the pasta crust formed?
Cooked pasta is tossed with margarine, egg, and Parmesan cheese, then pressed into the bottom and sides of a greased 10-inch quiche dish.
Do I need to pre-bake the pasta crust?
Yes, the pasta crust should be baked for 7 to 10 minutes or until just set before adding the filling.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute the 4 ounces of fresh spinach with 5 ounces of frozen chopped spinach, prepared according to package directions.
How do I cook fresh spinach for this recipe?
Chop the spinach and cook it in a saucepan with a little water for about 5-7 minutes until tender, then drain thoroughly.
What type of cheese is used in the pasta crust?
The crust uses 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese mixed with egg to help it set.
What is the primary base for the quiche filling?
The filling base is made by beating 8 ounces of softened light cream cheese with two eggs until smooth.
How many eggs are needed for the entire recipe?
You will need a total of 3 eggs: one for the pasta crust and two for the spinach filling.
What herbs and spices are used for seasoning?
The recipe calls for salt, crushed dried oregano, and pepper, along with fresh snipped parsley.
How do I prevent the edges of the pasta crust from burning?
Cover the edges of the pasta crust with foil before the final baking stage.
How long does the quiche need to bake with the filling?
Bake the filled quiche for 25 to 30 minutes.
How can I tell when the quiche is fully cooked?
The quiche is done when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
Is there a resting period after baking?
Yes, let the quiche stand for 10 minutes before slicing to allow it to set properly.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Is Creamy Spinach Pasta Quiche suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much fat is in one serving of this quiche?
There are 10.7 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 8.3 grams of protein.
What are the carbohydrate levels for this dish?
There are 18.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can this be served at room temperature?
Yes, it can be served hot or at room temperature, making it versatile for different occasions.
Should the cream cheese be cold or softened?
The cream cheese should be softened to ensure it incorporates smoothly with the eggs.
What type of milk is recommended for the filling?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of skim milk.
How should the green onions be prepared?
You should thinly slice 1/4 cup of green onion to stir into the filling.
Can I use butter instead of margarine for the crust?
Yes, you can use 2 tablespoons of either margarine or butter.
What size baking dish is needed?
A greased 10-inch quiche dish or pie plate is the ideal size.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a convenient one-dish meal.
What occasions is this quiche best suited for?
It is great for family gatherings, brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.
How much dried oregano is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of crushed dried oregano.