Simple Skillet Spinach and Cheese Pie Recipe

If you are searching for a delicious, hearty, and healthy dish to add to your weeknight dinner rotation, this Simple Skillet Spinach and Cheese Pie Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with vibrant greens, fresh herbs, creamy ricotta, and nutty Parmesan, this one-pan wonder brings comfort and flavor effortlessly. It combines the best textures from tender sautéed spinach to a flaky golden puff pastry crust, making it perfect for sharing with family or friends. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping this recipe straightforward is key, and every ingredient plays a vital role in building a pie that sings with freshness and richness. From aromatic herbs to creamy cheeses, these simple staples come together to create an extraordinary taste and texture experience.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: This brings a silky richness and helps soften the onions and garlic brilliantly.
• 1 large yellow onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic: Gives a warm, fragrant boost that livens up the greens.
• 2 pounds frozen spinach, thawed: The star leafy green, offering earthy nutrients and vibrant color.
• ¼ cup chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, mildly peppery note to brighten the filling.
• ¼ cup thinly sliced scallions: Brings a sharp, oniony crunch that contrasts delightfully with creamy cheese.
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill: Infuses a sweet, slightly tangy herbal aroma that complements spinach beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme: Provides a subtle earthiness that elevates the overall flavor complexity.
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Adds just the right amount of acidity to balance the richness.
• ¾ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the filling.
• 1 cup ricotta: Creamy and mild, it gives the pie an irresistibly smooth texture.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan: Offers savory, nutty depth that perfectly complements ricotta.
• 2 eggs, beaten: Bind all the goodness together, creating a luscious, firm filling.
• 1 sheet puff pastry: The flaky golden crust that transforms this pie into a comforting masterpiece.

How to Make Simple Skillet Spinach and Cheese Pie Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic, cooking until they soften and turn translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step unlocks deep sweetness and fragrant notes that form the backbone of your pie filling.

Step 2: Combine the Greens and Herbs

Next, stir in the thawed spinach along with the chopped parsley, sliced scallions, fresh dill, and thyme. Season the mixture with red wine vinegar and salt to bring brightness and balance. Mix everything well so that the herbs and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the greens.

Step 3: Add the Cheeses and Eggs

Now it’s time to enrich the filling by stirring in ricotta, Parmesan, and beaten eggs. The cheeses infuse creamy and nutty flavors, while the eggs work as the perfect binder, ensuring that your pie slices hold together beautifully once baked.

Step 4: Top with Puff Pastry

Roll out the puff pastry sheet, if needed, so it’s large enough to cover the top of your skillet. Gently lay it over the filling, trimming and crimping the edges tightly around the skillet to seal in all those irresistible flavors. Don’t forget to slice a few steam vents in the pastry to help it bake evenly.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Flaky

Brush the puff pastry lightly with olive oil for that gorgeous golden finish. Bake the skillet pie in a preheated 375°F oven for about 55 minutes until the crust is puffed, flaky, and irresistibly golden brown. Allow the pie to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing to let everything set perfectly.

How to Serve Simple Skillet Spinach and Cheese Pie Recipe

Garnishes

To make your Simple Skillet Spinach and Cheese Pie Recipe look as fabulous as it tastes, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or a few additional leaves of dill on top just before serving. A light drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil can also add a lovely shine and subtle flavor boost.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. The vibrant freshness of these sides balances the richness of the cheese and pastry, making your meal feel light and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress your guests? Serve individual slices with a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt or a spoonful of your favorite chutney for an unexpected flavor contrast. You can also cut this pie into smaller squares as part of an elegant appetizer spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Simple Skillet Spinach and Cheese Pie Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It keeps well, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even tastier.

Freezing

This pie freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and the puff pastry regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the pastry soggy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, sauté it down first to remove excess moisture before adding it to the filling. This helps prevent your pie from becoming watery.

Is it necessary to use puff pastry?

While puff pastry gives that wonderful flaky texture and golden color needed for this pie, you can use phyllo dough or even a shortcrust pastry if you prefer a different texture.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

This Simple Skillet Spinach and Cheese Pie Recipe is already vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat. Just double-check that the Parmesan you use is free from animal rennet if strict vegetarianism is preferred.

How can I add more protein to this dish?

Consider adding cooked and crumbled tofu, chickpeas, or even some cooked quinoa into the filling for an extra protein boost while keeping the dish balanced and wholesome.

What herbs work best in this pie?

The original recipe calls for parsley, dill, and thyme, which create a lovely herbal harmony. However, feel free to experiment with basil, oregano, or chives depending on your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Simple Skillet Spinach and Cheese Pie Recipe is a true champion of comforting, wholesome meals that do not require complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s warm, inviting, and bursting with flavor, perfect for cozy dinners or casual gatherings. I encourage you to give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your recipe collection.

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