Spaghetti Spinach Casserole
A hearty spaghetti and spinach casserole with mushrooms and cottage cheese, topped with melted mozzarella—perfect for a comforting, nutritious family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup corn oil ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) container low-fat cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) package thin spaghetti, cooked and drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Lightly oil a 10 x 6 x 2-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat corn oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced mushrooms and chopped onion. Stir and cook for 5 minutes or until tender.
- Stir in thawed, drained chopped spinach; cook for 2 minutes longer.
- Stir in low-fat cottage cheese, salt, ground nutmeg, and pepper until smooth.
- Toss the mixture with cooked and drained spaghetti until well coated.
- Place the spaghetti-spinach mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with sliced mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in a 425°F oven for 20 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted and slightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using olive oil instead of corn oil. You can substitute the low-fat cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture. If you prefer a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the mushrooms and onions while cooking. This dish can also benefit from the addition of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Spaghetti Spinach Casserole with a side of California Garlic Bread for a complete meal. A fresh salad dressed with Parmesan Cheese Salad Dressing adds a crisp contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole. For a heartier dinner, consider pairing it with My Friend'S Lasagna or a side of roasted vegetables to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For reheating, place individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Spinach Casserole contains roughly 885 calories, with 23g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (70% of the Daily Value), protein (46% of the Daily Value), and calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1774mg per serving (77% 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 a different type of pasta for this casserole?
Yes, you can use other types of pasta such as penne or rotini instead of spaghetti. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing it with the other ingredients, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I add meat to this casserole?
Certainly! If you’d like to add protein, cooked ground turkey or chicken can be mixed in with the spinach and cheese. This will make the dish more filling and provide additional flavor.
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).