Spinach-and-Egg Noodle Casserole
This versatile cheese, spinach and noodle casserole will easily become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 packages frozen chopped organic spinach (10-12 ounces)
- Salt and pepper
- 1 pound extra-wide egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 rounded tablespoons flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- Freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 cup panko or whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
Preparation
In a microwave, defrost the spinach, then wring dry in a clean kitchen towel. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and return the noodles to the pot.
While the pasta is working, in a medium size skillet, heat the EVOO, one turn of the pan, over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until tender, 8-10 minutes. Add the spinach, breaking it apart, to heat through. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the pan from the heat.
Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and pre-heat the broiler. While the onion cooks, in a medium size saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour for 1 minute, then whisk in the milk; season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. In a bowl, whisk a little of the sauce into the egg yolks, then whisk the egg yolk mixture into the sauce in the pan and turn the heat to the lowest setting. In a bowl, mix together the panko, Gruyère and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Stir the spinach and sauce into the noodles to combine, then transfer to a casserole dish. Top with the panko-cheese mixture. Broil in the middle of the oven until bubbly and brown, 3-5 minutes.
