Description
Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Bake promises comfort with Italian-inspired layers of creamy ricotta and tender spinach nestled between perfectly cooked pasta. Cheesy goodness and hearty greens create a delightful meal you’ll want to savor until the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 10 ounces (280 grams) ziti or short pasta, cooked and drained
- 12 ounces (340 grams) frozen spinach, thawed and chopped
- 24 ounces (680 grams) tomato puree
Cheese and Dairy:
- 16 ounces (450 grams) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fire up the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center.
- Craft a vibrant tomato sauce by whisking together olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and black pepper into the tomato puree until smooth and well-integrated.
- Prepare the spinach mixture by thoroughly draining thawed spinach in a colander, pressing out excess moisture to prevent a watery sauce.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the drained spinach with minced fresh garlic, ricotta cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese, seasoning generously with salt and black pepper.
- Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese and spinach blend, utilizing a splash of reserved pasta water to create a luxuriously creamy texture.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeter) baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent coverage.
- Lavishly pour the prepared tomato sauce over the pasta, then crown with an additional layer of freshly grated mozzarella cheese.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden, bubbling cheese topping and heated-through consistency.
- Once removed from the oven, let the dish rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Quick and easy comfort food that combines creamy ricotta with nutritious spinach in a delightful pasta bake.
- Thoroughly drain spinach to prevent watery sauce and ensure a rich, thick texture in the final dish.
- Create a flavor-packed tomato sauce by blending aromatic spices for a depth of taste that elevates the entire meal.
- Mix cheeses carefully to distribute evenly, allowing each bite to be filled with creamy, melty goodness.
- Cooking pasta al dente before baking helps maintain the perfect texture and prevents mushy results.
- Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh finish that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 385 cal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg