I’d like to dedicate this recipe and post for Spinach and Butternut Squash Noodle Casserole to my friend, Michele of Funky Chunks “Makers of uniquely fragrant soaps.”
I received such a lovely surprise when I opened my recent order of Funky Chunks Soap! Along with my soaps, Michele had also packaged up and added a fun, retro cookbook called The Old-Time Brand Name Cookbook into the envelope. I can’t tell you what a thoughtful and pleasant surprise that was for me to open, and how truly wonderful this cookbook smells after being packaged in with Michele’s wonderfully fragrant soaps! I think all cookbooks (and books in general for that matter) should smell this good! People would do A LOT more reading if that were the case! LOL
Thanks so much, Michele! I decided to adapt and update a recipe found on page 79 that was originally from the 1941 “Birds Eye Cookbook.” This recipe takes advantage of frozen vegetables (makes sense coming from Birds Eye) so I decided to kick it up a notch by adding in some frozen butternut squash chunks (along with the called for frozen spinach), a bit of freshly grated nutmeg and then tossed the egg noodles with some pumpkin oil and butter before adding it to the casserole dish for baking.
Can I tell you something? My husband, who’s not a big fan of butternut squash, LOVED this casserole and was a happy camper each and every time I served this casserole as a leftover too. Now that’s a wonderful thing! *Note – when reheating, make sure to cover the dish so the noodles don’t dry out. If needed, add a 1/4 cup of water to keep it creamy and delicious.
To keep things simple (circa 1950’s), this casserole can be made in advance and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before baking so the bake time isn’t altered. *Note – If the casserole is still cold, baking time needs to be increased.
SPINACH AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH NOODLE CASSEROLE {PRINT THIS RECIPE}
Serves: 8-10 Prep Time: 12-15 minutes Bake Time: 60 minutes
1 package (16 ounces) egg noodles
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach
1 package (10 ounces) frozen butternut squash chunks
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons oil (I used pumpkin, but canola or olive will work too)
4 eggs
3 cups milk
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon salt (I use kosher)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
-Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
-In a large stock pot, bring 5-6 cups water to boil with 1 tablespoon salt.
-Add the egg noodles and return to a simmer.
-Simmer the noodles about 5 minutes and then add in the frozen spinach and butternut squash.
-Return to a simmer and then completely drain the water.
-Stir in the butter and oil and pour the noodles and veggies into a 9 x 13 casserole dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
-In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper and nutmeg.
-Pour the egg mixture evenly over the noodles.
-Bake in a preheated oven for 40 minutes, uncovered.
-Remove from the oven and sprinkle the cheese over top of the noodles.
-Cover with aluminum foil (vent with a small hole) and return to the oven to continue baking for approximately 20 more minutes, or until the eggs are completely cooked and no longer runny.
-Cool for about 10 minutes, uncovered, and serve warm.
I hope you enjoyed this recipe as much as I enjoyed bringing it to you. If you’d like to make this a full meal, feel free to add some cooked chicken in with the egg noodles right before you pour it into the casserole dish.
After all, that’s just what “mom” would do…
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I love adapting old recipes – so glad you've brought this one back to life! Looks delicious!
YUM, what a perfect casserole for summer! I love butternut squash! 🙂
My son would love this, he's a pasta addict!
I'm loving this casserole! sharing with a friend
I hide butternut squash in mac & cheese with good success. (Read: my boys never know the difference.) Your pasta looks like something they'd devour without complaint!
This is absolutely my idea of comfort food!
what a really cool cookbook!!! Thanks for sharing!
Such a comforting casserole! I would just spoon it from the dish. HOT. Then it will be all gone. And my family will be mad at me. But my belly would be full, so I won't care for a bit.
Such a colorful dish! Yum!