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Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake

Irresistible Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake for Cozy Nights

This Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake is ultimate comfort food featuring pasta layers, rich sauces, and gooey cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Pasta Penne or fusilli are best
For the Filling
  • 2 cups Spinach Fresh or frozen, squeeze out excess water from frozen
  • 1 cup Ricotta Cheese Whole milk ricotta preferred for texture
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Low-moisture mozzarella recommended
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese Add more if desired
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce Store-bought or homemade option
For Sautéing
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil For sautéing garlic and spinach
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
For Seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp Salt To taste
  • 0.25 tsp Black Pepper Freshly ground recommended
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning Optional, adjust to taste

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • large pot
  • skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
    Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake
  2. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook 12 oz of pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
    Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake
  3. In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté 2 cloves of minced garlic for 1 minute, then add 2 cups of spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
    Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella (1/2 cup), half of the Parmesan (1/4 cup), 0.5 tsp of salt, 0.25 tsp of black pepper, and 1 tsp of Italian seasoning. Stir in the sautéed spinach and garlic.
    Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake
  5. Spread half of the marinara sauce (1 cup) at the bottom of the greased baking dish. Layer with half of the cooked pasta, then the ricotta-spinach mixture, then the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the marinara sauce.
    Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake
  6. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
    Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake
  7. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
    Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake
  8. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
    Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Dry spinach well to avoid a watery bake. Cook pasta to al dente for texture. Distribute ricotta mixture evenly for consistent flavor.

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