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

Scale

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!

Notes

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.