Creamy Spinach Pasta One-Pot

Featured in: Everyday Dinners

This one-pot dish features tender pasta simmered in a creamy sauce enriched with fresh spinach and a blend of cheeses. Onions and garlic provide a savory base, while oregano, basil, and nutmeg add subtle aromatic depth. Cooking the pasta directly in vegetable broth and cream allows flavors to meld beautifully, producing a luscious, comforting dish perfect for busy evenings. Garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, it delivers a quick, satisfying meal that’s both hearty and bright.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:08:00 GMT
Steaming The Magic Casserole: Creamy Spinach Pasta One-Pot, a bubbling skillet of cheesy pasta and spinach. Save
Steaming The Magic Casserole: Creamy Spinach Pasta One-Pot, a bubbling skillet of cheesy pasta and spinach. | fusionspatula.com

A comforting and flavorful one-pot casserole featuring tender pasta, fresh spinach, and a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and sure to please the whole family.

This creamy spinach pasta one pot casserole has become a favorite in my house for quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) penne or fusilli pasta (uncooked)
  • Vegetables: 200 g (7 oz) fresh baby spinach roughly chopped, 1 medium onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Dairy & Liquids: 700 ml (3 cups) vegetable broth, 200 ml (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp) heavy cream, 120 g (1 cup) grated mozzarella cheese, 50 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp cream cheese
  • Seasonings: 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, Salt and black pepper to taste, Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
  • Garnish: Fresh parsley chopped (optional), Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

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Step 1:
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2 3 minutes until softened.
Step 2:
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3:
Stir in the uncooked pasta, vegetable broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Step 4:
Add the dried oregano, basil, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using. Stir well.
Step 5:
Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6:
Add the chopped spinach and cream cheese. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the spinach is wilted (about 5 7 minutes).
Step 7:
Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
Step 8:
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 9:
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
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A close-up shot of The Magic Casserole: Creamy Spinach Pasta One-Pot, creamy and rich with melted cheese. Save
A close-up shot of The Magic Casserole: Creamy Spinach Pasta One-Pot, creamy and rich with melted cheese. | fusionspatula.com

My family loves gathering around the table to enjoy this hearty casserole especially on chilly evenings.

Notes

For extra flavor add sautéed mushrooms or sun dried tomatoes. Substitute whole wheat pasta for added fiber. To make it vegan use plant based cream cheese and pasta.

Required Tools

Large deep skillet or Dutch oven, Cutting board and knife, Wooden spoon or spatula, Measuring cups and spoons

Nutritional Information

Calories 570, Total Fat 27 g, Carbohydrates 60 g, Protein 20 g per serving

Enjoy a forkful of The Magic Casserole: Creamy Spinach Pasta One-Pot, a hot, flavorful vegetarian meal. Save
Enjoy a forkful of The Magic Casserole: Creamy Spinach Pasta One-Pot, a hot, flavorful vegetarian meal. | fusionspatula.com
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Cushioned mats provide comfort while cooking, absorbing spills near the sink and stove for cleaner meal prep.
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This casserole is an easy satisfying meal perfect for busy nights and family dinners.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, penne or fusilli work best, but you can substitute with other shapes that hold sauce well.

How can I make this dish vegan?

Replace dairy cream and cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use vegan-friendly pasta.

What are good additions to enhance flavor?

Sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes add extra depth and complexity.

Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?

You can prepare the base and refrigerate, then reheat gently while stirring before serving.

How should leftovers be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of broth or cream.

Creamy Spinach Pasta One-Pot

Tender pasta combined with fresh spinach and a creamy cheese sauce for a flavorful one-pot meal.

Prep duration
10 minutes
Time to cook
25 minutes
Overall time
35 minutes
Created by Liam Johnson

Food Type Everyday Dinners

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type International

Makes 4 Portions

Diet info Meat-Free

What You Need

Pasta

01 10 oz penne or fusilli pasta, uncooked

Vegetables

01 7 oz fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
02 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy & Liquids

01 3 cups vegetable broth
02 3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp heavy cream
03 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
04 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 2 tbsp cream cheese

Seasonings

01 1/2 tsp dried oregano
02 1/2 tsp dried basil
03 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
04 Salt and black pepper, to taste
05 Pinch of chili flakes (optional)

Garnish

01 Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
02 Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)

How to Make It

Step 01

Sauté onion: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.

Step 02

Add garlic: Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 03

Combine pasta and liquids: Stir in the uncooked pasta, vegetable broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

Step 04

Season the mixture: Add dried oregano, dried basil, ground nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if desired. Stir thoroughly to combine.

Step 05

Simmer covered: Cover the skillet and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 06

Add spinach and cream cheese: Incorporate the chopped spinach and cream cheese. Continue cooking while stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente and the spinach has wilted, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 07

Melt cheeses: Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 08

Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and modify seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if preferred.

Tools Needed

  • Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy warnings

Review ingredients for allergens and check with a medical expert if needed.
  • Contains milk (cream, cheese) and wheat (pasta).
  • May contain gluten; use gluten-free pasta if required.

Nutrition details (per serving)

Nutrition facts are estimates for informational reasons and aren't medical guidance.
  • Energy (kcal): 570
  • Fat content: 27 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 60 grams
  • Protein amount: 20 grams