Creamed Spinach Pastry Shells
Creamed spinach in flaky pastry shells creates a savory appetizer or light meal, blending creamy greens with crisp shells, perfect for entertaining or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the frozen chopped spinach according to the package directions.
- Drain the cooked spinach thoroughly.
- Combine the drained spinach with cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, flour, grated onion, salt, and black pepper.
- Bake the pastry shells for 12 minutes at 375°F and then let them cool.
- Fill each cooled pastry shell with the spinach mixture.
- Bake the filled shells for an additional 15 minutes at 375°F and serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or ricotta to the spinach mixture. Fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen; just sauté it until wilted and drain well. If you want to add more flavor, try including a pinch of nutmeg or some grated Parmesan cheese. This dish makes a delightful appetizer or side, perfect to pair with American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These creamed spinach pastry shells can be served as a delightful appetizer or as a side dish alongside roasted chicken or beef. They pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or a light soup, such as Easy Chicken Soup. For a complete meal, consider serving them with My Home State Maryland Fried Chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover filled pastry shells can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid using a microwave as it may make the pastry shells soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamed Spinach Pastry Shells contains roughly 321 calories, with 8g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value) and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 955mg per serving (42% 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 make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the spinach filling a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. When you're ready to use it, simply fill the cooled pastry shells and bake as directed. This can save you time on a busy day.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you're looking for a substitute for cream of chicken soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version using a basic white sauce mixed with chicken broth. This will still give you a creamy texture while keeping the flavor balanced.
Can I freeze these pastry shells?
Yes, you can freeze the unfilled pastry shells after baking. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to use them, bake from frozen for about 20 minutes at 375°F, then fill with the spinach mixture and bake again as directed.
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).