Quick Family-Favorite Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe

Comfort arrives with this spinach & ricotta pasta bake that blends rich, creamy textures into every delectable bite.

Layers of tender pasta and vibrant spinach create a mouthwatering meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Melted cheese cascades between each noodle, promising warmth and satisfaction.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with classic Italian inspiration.

Herbs and seasonings dance through the dish, enhancing its robust flavors.

Weeknight dinners transform into memorable moments with this easy, delicious pasta bake.

Serve this crowd-pleasing dish and watch smiles emerge around the table.

Helpful Cooking Tips For Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this pasta bake up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, which allows flavors to meld beautifully and saves precious time during busy weeknights.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Swap ricotta with tofu or cashew cream to create a delicious vegan version that maintains the creamy texture and rich flavor profile.
• Veggie Boost: Experiment by adding roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and create a more substantial meal with extra vegetable goodness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this dish suitable for those with wheat sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Cheese Lover's Hack: Sprinkle extra parmesan or mozzarella on top before baking for a golden, crispy cheese crust that adds irresistible texture and flavor depth.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 460 kcal

Servings: 7

All Ingredients For Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe

• Pasta: Choose a sturdy shape like penne or rigatoni that holds sauce beautifully and creates delightful pockets of cheesy goodness.

• Spinach: Vibrant green leaves packed with nutrients, bringing earthy freshness and gorgeous color to the dish.
• Ricotta Cheese: Silky smooth cheese that melts perfectly, creating a luxurious creamy texture and mild tangy flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Aged cheese with intense nutty notes that adds depth and sharp richness to the overall flavor profile.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps create a smooth, cohesive filling and provides structure to the bake.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that infuses the dish with deep, warm flavor and incredible depth.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of all ingredients and balancing the overall taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, complementing the creamy cheese and fresh spinach.
• Nutmeg: Secret ingredient that provides warm, subtle undertones and enhances the ricotta's creaminess.

Tools You’ll Need For Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta, needs to be big enough to hold water and pasta comfortably.
• Colander: Perfect for draining pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring pasta while cooking and moving ingredients around.
• Cutting board: Helpful for any preliminary chopping or preparation.
• Sharp knife: Needed for slicing and dicing ingredients precisely.
• Baking dish: Crucial for assembling and baking the pasta dish, preferably a deep rectangular or square pan.

Step-By-Step For Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Let the water bubble and dance, then drop in your pasta. Cook until it’s just shy of fully done – this keeps it extra awesome when baking later.

• Create Creamy Spinach Mixture

In a mixing bowl, blend ricotta with fresh spinach. Sprinkle in some garlic, a dash of nutmeg, and black pepper. Stir until everything looks smooth and inviting.

• Layer Your Pasta Magic

Spread a thin layer of olive oil in a baking dish. Gently place your partially cooked pasta as the first layer. Dollop the spinach-ricotta mixture generously across the top, making sure every pasta piece gets some love.

• Add Cheesy Goodness

Shower the dish with mozzarella and parmesan. These cheese friends will create a golden, crispy top that’ll make mouths water.

• Bake To Perfection

Slide your creation into a preheated oven. Bake until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges get deliciously crispy – about 25 minutes.

• Rest And Serve

Let the pasta bake rest for 5-10 minutes after pulling it from the oven. This helps everything settle and makes serving easier. Cut into hearty portions and enjoy your comforting masterpiece.

Simple Serving Ideas For Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe

• Fresh Green Salad Companion: Pair this rich pasta bake with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy texture and add refreshing contrast.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Serve alongside a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the ricotta's subtle flavors and cuts through the dish's richness.
• Garlic Bread Sidekick: Add warm, toasted garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy texture that perfectly complements the smooth pasta bake.
• Mediterranean Mezze Plate: Create a colorful side with olives, marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, and a small portion of feta cheese to enhance the Italian-inspired meal's Mediterranean essence.

How To Store Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe

• Chill Out Smartly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for convenient meals within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Finesse: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of milk or extra marinara sauce to restore moisture and freshness.
• Prep-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the cold state, adding 10-15 minutes to the original cooking time.

Hearty Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mouth-watering spinach & ricotta pasta bake delivers comfort and Italian-inspired flavor in one hearty dish. Rich layers of creamy ricotta, tender spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta combine for a satisfying meal you’ll eagerly savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 500 g (1 lb) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 400 g (14 oz) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
• 800 g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
• 250 g (9 oz) frozen spinach, thawed and drained (or 300 g fresh spinach, wilted)
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Salt water generously in a large pot and bring to a vigorous boil, then cook pasta 2 minutes shy of package instructions for an al dente texture.
2. Cheese Mixture Creation: Whisk ricotta, spinach, garlic, and parmesan in a mixing bowl until ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a rich, creamy base.
3. Pasta Integration: Gently fold spinach-ricotta mixture into drained pasta, ensuring each pasta strand becomes thoroughly coated with the luxurious blend.
4. Baking Arrangement: Transfer pasta mixture into a ceramic baking dish, spreading evenly and topping with mozzarella and additional parmesan to create a tantalizing cheese crust.
5. Oven Transformation: Position dish in a preheated 375°F oven, allowing the cheese to melt and develop a golden, crispy exterior over 20-25 minutes.
6. Resting and Serving: Remove from oven and let the dish settle for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken before garnishing with fresh basil or extra parmesan.

Notes

• Perfectly Al Dente Pasta: Undercook pasta by 2 minutes to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring a firm texture that absorbs sauce beautifully.
• Drain Thoroughly: Shake colander vigorously to remove excess water, preventing watery consistency in the final dish.
• Even Cheese Distribution: Fold spinach-ricotta mixture gently but thoroughly, guaranteeing every pasta strand gets coated with creamy goodness.
• Resting Magic: Allow dish to sit 5-7 minutes after baking to let flavors meld and sauce thicken, creating a more cohesive and rich taste experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg