Tortellini And Spinach
A creamy, cheesy tortellini and spinach casserole with melted Monterey Jack and Mozzarella, perfect for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the frozen spinach until heated through, then drain well.
- Boil the tortellini in water until they rise to the top, then drain.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and add Milnot; stir until combined.
- Gradually add shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted; the sauce will be thin.
- Mix the cooked spinach into the cheese sauce, then add the cooked tortellini and transfer to a greased 9 x 13-inch casserole pan.
- Top the casserole with shredded Mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and begins to brown.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavors, consider adding minced garlic or onion while melting the butter for the cheese sauce. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the Milnot with low-fat evaporated milk. For a veggie boost, mix in some cooked broccoli or Italian zucchini along with the spinach. Make sure to drain the spinach thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this tortellini and spinach casserole with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish. It pairs wonderfully with Italian recipes like a classic Caesar salad or roasted vegetables. For an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top just before serving for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover tortellini and spinach casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tortellini And Spinach contains roughly 1486 calories, with 35g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 118g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (71% of the Daily Value), calcium (54% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1117mg per serving (49% 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 fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! You'll need about 10 ounces of fresh spinach, which should be sautéed until wilted before mixing it into the cheese sauce. This will give a vibrant color and fresh flavor to the dish.
What can I substitute for the cheeses?
If you don't have Monterey Jack or Mozzarella, you can use similar cheeses like Cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses. Just ensure that the cheeses melt well for a creamy texture in the casserole.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it well, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through completely.
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).