Spaghetti Florentine
Spaghetti Florentine is a comforting baked pasta dish featuring spaghetti layered with spinach, cottage cheese, and mozzarella, topped with Parmesan. Its creamy texture and savory flavors make it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a delightful twist on traditional Italian favorites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the spaghetti sauce and cooked spaghetti; toss lightly.
- Mix cottage cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese well.
- Place half of the spaghetti mixture in a 10 x 6-inch baking dish.
- Cover with spinach, cottage cheese mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Top with the remaining spaghetti mixture.
- Cut the remaining mozzarella cheese into 1/2-inch strips.
- Arrange the mozzarella strips on top of the spaghetti to form a lattice design.
- Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cottage cheese and whole wheat spaghetti. If you don't have mozzarella cheese, a blend of ricotta and mozzarella can work well. To enhance flavor, add some Italian herbs or crushed garlic to the cottage cheese mixture. This dish can also be made ahead of time and frozen before baking for a quick weeknight meal. Browse more vegetarian recipes for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Spaghetti Florentine with a fresh green salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. For a delightful pairing, try it with a side of Pasta Romano for an extra pasta fix. A light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the dish beautifully. This dish is great for a family dinner or casual gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Spaghetti Florentine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Florentine contains roughly 192 calories, with 10g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium.
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 a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute the spaghetti with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just ensure the cooking time is adjusted according to the pasta type to achieve the desired texture.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to include vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sauté them lightly before layering in the dish to enhance their flavors and ensure they cook evenly.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze Spaghetti Florentine before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed for a delicious homemade meal.
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).