Welcome, pasta lovers! If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal to enjoy during a busy week, this Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake is the perfect dish to try. It combines the creamy goodness of ricotta and mozzarella with the fresh taste of spinach, all baked to perfection. Whether you’re a fan of classic pasta bakes or just looking for a hearty dish, this recipe will surely impress.
Introduction
The Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake is a comforting, easy-to-make Italian-inspired dish that is perfect for a midweek dinner. This recipe brings together the flavors of spinach and ricotta-stuffed pasta shells but simplifies the process into a quick pasta bake. With its delicious blend of cheese and tomato sauce, it’s an excellent option for those who love lasagna or baked ziti, but want a less time-consuming recipe. For pasta enthusiasts and ricotta lovers, this dish is a must-try!
Related Recipes: Try out these easy-to-make Ultimate Cowboy Casserole for a hearty meal or Sausage Balls with Red Lobster Mix for a tasty appetizer.
Ingredients for Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this mouth-watering Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake:
- 300g / 10 oz ziti pasta, uncooked (or another short pasta of your choice)
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (extra for topping)
Ricotta Mixture:
- 500g / 1 lb ricotta cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 350g / 12 oz frozen spinach, thawed and excess liquid removed
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¾ tsp salt and pepper, to taste
Shortcut Pasta Sauce:
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 700g / 24 oz tomato passata
- 1 tsp onion and garlic powder
- 2 tsp dried Italian mixed herbs
- ½ tsp dried chili flakes, optional
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp water, if needed
Optional substitutions: You can swap the ricotta for a dairy-free version, and use gluten-free pasta if needed.
How to Make Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake – Step by Step
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Begin by making the pasta sauce. Pour out ¼ cup of the passata to make room for additional flavors, then add garlic, herbs, onion powder, and seasonings to the bottle. Shake it well to mix everything together.
Step 2:
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but subtract one minute from the cooking time. Before draining the pasta, scoop out a mugful of pasta water and set it aside.
Step 3:
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the ricotta mixture. If the mixture feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy texture.
Step 4:
Add the cooked pasta into the ricotta mixture and mix well to combine. Transfer the pasta to a baking dish and spread it evenly.
Step 5:
Pour the prepared pasta sauce over the top of the pasta and finish by sprinkling the shredded mozzarella cheese over it. Loosely cover the dish with foil.
Step 6:
Bake the pasta for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7:
Serve the pasta bake while it’s hot and fresh from the oven. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Helpful Tips for Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake
- Use fresh ricotta: For the creamiest result, opt for fresh ricotta instead of pre-packaged.
- Adjust the spice: Add or reduce the chili flakes depending on your heat preference.
- Freeze leftovers: This dish freezes well and can be reheated for a quick weeknight meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake
- Use high-quality mozzarella: For the best cheesy pull, use fresh mozzarella, which melts beautifully.
- Save your pasta water: This starchy water helps create a creamier sauce when mixed with the ricotta.
- Under-cook your pasta: Take one minute off the pasta cooking time to avoid mushy pasta after baking.
Serving Suggestions for Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake
Pair this hearty Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, would make the perfect beverage pairing. For an extra touch of flavor, top each serving with freshly grated parmesan and chopped basil.
Nutritional Information
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein from the ricotta and spinach. Here’s the nutritional value per serving:
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 24g
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin A, calcium, and iron.
Storage and Leftovers for Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake
To store, let the dish cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, you can bake it at 350°F (180°C) until fully warmed through or microwave it for a quick meal. For the best results, reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy cheese topping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake
1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, just blanch the fresh spinach and remove excess water before mixing it with the ricotta.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
3. What other types of pasta can I use?
You can use penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta of your choice for this recipe.
4. Can I add meat to this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken can be mixed into the ricotta mixture or layered with the sauce.
Related Recipes for Spinach & Ricotta Lovers
If you enjoyed this dish, you’ll love these similar recipes:
Conclusion
This Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake is the perfect solution for a comforting and satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight family meal or making it ahead for future meals, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Try it today, and don’t forget to share your thoughts or personal variations in the comments below!
Enjoy your meal and happy cooking!
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Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake – Easy, Cheesy & Delicious
Description
Welcome, pasta lovers! If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal to enjoy during a busy week, this Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake is the perfect dish to try. It combines the creamy goodness of ricotta and mozzarella with the fresh taste of spinach, all baked to perfection. Whether you’re a fan of classic pasta bakes or just looking for a hearty dish, this recipe will surely impress.
Ingredients
- 300g / 10 oz ziti pasta, uncooked (or another short pasta of your choice)
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (extra for topping)
Ricotta Mixture:
- 500g / 1 lb ricotta cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 350g / 12 oz frozen spinach, thawed and excess liquid removed
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¾ tsp salt and pepper, to taste
Shortcut Pasta Sauce:
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 700g / 24 oz tomato passata
- 1 tsp onion and garlic powder
- 2 tsp dried Italian mixed herbs
- ½ tsp dried chili flakes, optional
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp water, if needed
Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Begin by making the pasta sauce. Pour out ¼ cup of the passata to make room for additional flavors, then add garlic, herbs, onion powder, and seasonings to the bottle. Shake it well to mix everything together.
Step 2:
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but subtract one minute from the cooking time. Before draining the pasta, scoop out a mugful of pasta water and set it aside.
Step 3:
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the ricotta mixture. If the mixture feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy texture.
Step 4:
Add the cooked pasta into the ricotta mixture and mix well to combine. Transfer the pasta to a baking dish and spread it evenly.
Step 5:
Pour the prepared pasta sauce over the top of the pasta and finish by sprinkling the shredded mozzarella cheese over it. Loosely cover the dish with foil.
Step 6:
Bake the pasta for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7:
Serve the pasta bake while it’s hot and fresh from the oven. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use fresh ricotta: For the creamiest result, opt for fresh ricotta instead of pre-packaged.
- Adjust the spice: Add or reduce the chili flakes depending on your heat preference.
- Freeze leftovers: This dish freezes well and can be reheated for a quick weeknight meal.
