Description
Creamy Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that blends tender pasta with a creamy, cheesy spinach filling, all topped with golden, melty mozzarella. Perfect for cozy family dinners or potluck gatherings!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz (280g) fresh spinach, chopped
- 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Add the cooked pasta and sautéed spinach mixture to the cheese mixture, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with marinara sauce if desired.
Notes
- For added flavor, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top before baking.
- You can swap out mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different cheesy twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Bake, Creamy Spinach Pasta Bake, Baked Pasta Dish