Pasta Casserole
A hearty baked pasta casserole with melted mozzarella, spinach, and a flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and satisfying comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
- Add diced tomatoes, crushed red peppers, salt, and pepper; simmer for 15 minutes.
- Cook pasta (ziti) until al dente and drain.
- Mix mozzarella cheese, cooked pasta, and spinach.
- Add 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese and toss well.
- Put the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Broil until the cheese is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing some bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onion and garlic. If you don't have ziti, any short pasta shape will work well. You can also substitute fresh spinach for frozen if it’s available. Adding a pinch of Italian herbs can enhance the dish's flavor profile, making it reminiscent of classic Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier side, consider serving it alongside Baked Vegetable Casserole Italiano. A light red wine can complement the dish beautifully, enhancing its savory flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pasta casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium heat, covered, until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Casserole contains roughly 1096 calories, with 39g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 87g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (78% of the Daily Value), calcium (74% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2543mg per serving (111% 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
What can I serve with pasta casserole?
This dish goes well with a variety of sides. A simple mixed green salad or some roasted vegetables would complement the casserole nicely. You might also enjoy it with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
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).