Baked Fettucine
Creamy baked fettucine with spinach, Parmesan, and mozzarella offers rich flavors perfect for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to moderate 350°F (175°C).
- Add the fettucine to a large pan of rapidly boiling water and cook until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large pan.
- Add the chopped onion and stir constantly over low heat until the onion is tender.
- Add the drained fettucine to the pan with the onion and butter mixture.
- Stir in the sour cream, cream, ground nutmeg, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Mix in half of the Parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of white wine to the onion before adding the fettucine. You can substitute the spinach fettucine with regular fettuccine or even a gluten-free pasta if needed. Adjust the seasoning to taste, and feel free to incorporate some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor. This dish can be made ahead of time and baked when ready.
Serving Suggestions
Baked fettucine pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A light vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread would complement the dish nicely. For a more substantial dinner, consider serving with Grandma's Famous Lasagna as part of an Italian feast, or enjoy it as a comforting standalone dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of cream to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Fettucine contains roughly 365 calories, with 7g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2042mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Parmesan and Mozzarella provide great flavor and texture, you can experiment with other cheeses like Ricotta, Cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly with different cheeses.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the baked fettucine up to the point of baking. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from a colder temperature.
What can I add for extra protein?
For added protein, consider mixing in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed sausage into the pasta before baking. Tofu or chickpeas are great vegetarian options that can enhance the dish while keeping it aligned with vegetarian recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).