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Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe

Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite

This Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe brings comfort and convenience to your table while being budget-friendly and family-friendly.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Penne or rigatoni Cook al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven.
For the Filling
  • 2 cups Spinach Fresh or 1 package frozen, thawed; well-drained.
  • 1 cup Ricotta Cheese Preferably whole milk.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Shredded, low-moisture for best melt.
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated; substitute with Pecorino Romano if desired.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning Optional.
For Assembly
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce Choose a flavorful variety or homemade.
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil For sautéing garlic and spinach.
  • 0.5 tsp Salt To taste.
  • 0.25 tsp Black Pepper Freshly ground.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, sauté minced garlic in olive oil for 1 minute. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, half mozzarella, half parmesan, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add sautéed spinach and garlic.
  5. Spread half of the marinara sauce in a baking dish, layer with half the pasta, ricotta mixture, remaining pasta, and top with remaining marinara sauce.
  6. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and parmesan over top.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  8. Let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
  9. Serve warm, ideally with garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best flavor, use quality ingredients and properly drain spinach to avoid a watery dish. Allow the baked pasta to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.

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