Microwave Spinach And Noodles Parmesan
A creamy, cheesy spinach and noodle casserole with Parmesan and a hint of cayenne, perfect for a quick, hearty vegetarian meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chopped onion in a 2-quart microwave-safe casserole.
- Cover with lid; microwave on High for 3 minutes or until tender, stirring once during cooking.
- Add frozen chopped spinach to the casserole.
- Cover; microwave on High for 5 minutes or until spinach is thawed, stirring twice during cooking.
- Stir in cream of celery soup, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and ground red pepper (cayenne).
- Add cooked wide egg noodles and mix well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more sour cream or using a mix of sour cream and Greek yogurt. If you don’t have cream of celery soup, cream of mushroom or chicken soup can serve as a suitable substitute. Adding garlic powder or sautéed garlic with the onions can elevate the flavor profile. For added heat, increase the cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of Delicious Green Beans for a well-rounded meal. For a heartier option, serve with a fresh salad or garlic bread. You can also top with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or additional sour cream to maintain creaminess during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Spinach And Noodles Parmesan contains roughly 380 calories, with 17g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), iron (46% of the Daily Value), and calcium (37% of the Daily Value). At about 380 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! If using fresh, you'll need about 4 cups. Sauté it in the microwave with the onions until wilted before adding to the other ingredients, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat products. You can explore other vegetarian recipes or add your favorite vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to cook. Simply follow the instructions up to mixing in the noodles, then cover and refrigerate. When ready, reheat in the microwave until hot.
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).