Description
Comfort meets elegance in this Creamy Spinach and Egg Noodle Bake, a heartwarming dish that blends rich flavors and satisfying textures. Cheesy, herbed layers promise a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles and Cheese:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) egg noodles
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (225 grams) cottage cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 cups (60 grams) fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
- Cook egg noodles following package guidelines until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium temperature, gently sautéing onions and garlic until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
- Introduce chopped spinach to the skillet, stirring until completely wilted and moisture evaporates.
- Create a creamy base by whisking cottage cheese, sour cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
- Fold the cooked noodles and spinach mixture into the creamy base, ensuring every strand is evenly coated with the rich sauce.
- Carefully transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Generously sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheeses across the top, covering the entire surface for a golden, crispy finish.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling, bronzed top that signals perfect doneness.
Notes
- For a lighter version, swap full-fat dairy with low-fat cottage cheese and reduced-fat sour cream to cut calories without losing creaminess.
- Enhance vegetable nutrition by adding extra greens like kale or Swiss chard alongside spinach for more vitamins and varied texture.
- Create a gluten-free option by substituting egg noodles with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.
- Boost protein content by mixing in cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits for a heartier, more satisfying meal that appeals to meat lovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg