The Creamy Spinach Pasta Bake is a perfect combination of tender pasta, fresh spinach, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce. Baked until golden and bubbly, this dish is a vegetarian comfort food favorite that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

This pasta bake is easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and delivers a restaurant-quality flavor at home. It’s versatile, satisfying, and can be customized with your favorite cheeses or additional vegetables.

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook Pasta:
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare Spinach Sauce:
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
Make Creamy Mixture:
Pour in heavy cream, season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup parmesan until smooth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Mix cooked pasta into the creamy spinach sauce. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella, parmesan, and optional breadcrumbs on top.
Bake:
Bake 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden. Let cool 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Spinach Pasta Bake

Cheese Variety: Add fontina, gouda, or cheddar for extra flavor.
Extra Veggies: Include mushrooms, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes.
Creamy Sauce: For thicker sauce, reduce cream slightly or add a tablespoon of cream cheese.
Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours; bake before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread or a fresh side salad.
Pair with a light white wine for dinner gatherings.
Great for family meals, potlucks, or meal prep.

Variations

Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake: Add cooked chicken pieces for a non-vegetarian version.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
Low-Fat Option: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use reduced-fat cheese.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Baked pasta dishes like this are inspired by Italian casseroles, combining pasta, greens, and cheese for a hearty, comforting meal. Spinach adds both nutrition and flavor, making it a beloved component in many Mediterranean-inspired baked dishes.

Nutritional Notes

Each serving provides protein from cheese, fiber and vitamins from spinach, and carbohydrates for energy. Using fresh ingredients keeps the dish wholesome while still indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy, cheesy, and flavorful
Easy to make with pantry staples
Perfect for vegetarians or as a side dish
Can be customized with proteins or extra vegetables
Comfort food favorite for any season