Baked Spinach and Carrot Pasta with Parmesan

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting baked pasta dish that hides finely blended vegetables in a creamy sauce, perfect for picky eaters who love cheese. This italian-inspired kid friendly ready in about 40 minutes pairs penne pasta, grated carrots, fresh spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add 12 oz penne pasta, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, and cook for 1 minute until golden.
  3. Step 3: Slowly whisk in 1/2 cup milk until smooth and bubbling, then add 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper, 1 cup grated carrots, and 1 cup finely chopped spinach. Simmer for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender and sauce thickens.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted, add drained penne, and toss to coat. Add 2 tbsp reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  5. Step 5: Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, sprinkle with 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, and bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  6. Step 6: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Spinach and Carrot Pasta with Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Spinach and Carrot Pasta with Parmesan?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Spinach and Carrot Pasta with Parmesan?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Spinach and Carrot Pasta with Parmesan for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Spinach and Carrot Pasta with Parmesan?

Italian kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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