Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, this Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake is a family-favorite dish perfect for any night of the week. Packed with tender pasta, creamy ricotta, and sautéed spinach, all baked under a golden cheesy crust, this recipe is simple yet incredibly satisfying. Serve it with a side of marinara sauce for extra flavor!
Ingredients
- 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, or until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the 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. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve warm, optionally with a side of marinara sauce.
Variation
- Add Protein for a Heartier Meal
For an extra boost of protein, add cooked shredded chicken, browned Italian sausage, or sautéed mushrooms to the pasta mixture. This will make it a more filling dish, ideal for a complete one-pan dinner. - Use Different Greens
Swap out spinach for kale or Swiss chard. These greens hold up well during baking and add a slightly different texture and flavor profile, making the dish more versatile. - Switch Up the Cheese
Experiment with different cheese combinations. You can replace mozzarella with provolone for a smoky flavor or add some crumbled feta for a tangy twist. Using a mix of cheeses elevates the richness of the bake.
Cooking Notes
- For a more robust flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture.
- You can substitute kale for spinach if desired.
- Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for extra veggies.
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread
Serve the pasta bake alongside warm garlic bread. The crunchy bread pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta, offering a delightful contrast in textures. - Fresh Side Salad
A simple side salad with crisp greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes tossed in a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta bake and adds a refreshing element to the meal. - Extra Marinara Sauce
Offer a side of warm marinara sauce for those who enjoy a bit more tomato flavor. Drizzling the sauce over the pasta before serving adds a nice tangy balance to the creamy, cheesy filling.
Tips
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese
Always use freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan for the best melting and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture and melting quality of the dish. - Let It Rest Before Serving
After removing the pasta bake from the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the dish set, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart. - Double the Recipe for Leftovers
This dish reheats beautifully, so consider doubling the recipe to enjoy leftovers the next day. Store individual portions in airtight containers for a quick, delicious meal during the week.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 320mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta mixture and transfer it to the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature and follow the baking instructions. - What can I use as a ricotta substitute?
If you don’t have ricotta, you can substitute with cottage cheese or mascarpone. Blending cottage cheese beforehand creates a smoother consistency, making it a great alternative. - Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Allow the pasta bake to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. - How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
To keep the pasta bake moist, be sure to use enough cheese and ricotta mixture. You can also cover it with foil for most of the baking time, removing the foil in the last 10 minutes to brown the top.
Conclusion
This Creamy Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Bake is a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With its rich, cheesy filling and golden topping, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table. Whether you add extra protein or switch up the greens, this versatile recipe offers something for everyone. Try it today, and don’t forget to serve it with a crisp salad and warm garlic bread for a complete, comforting meal.
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Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, this Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake is a family-favorite dish perfect for any night of the week. Packed with tender pasta, creamy ricotta, and sautéed spinach, all baked under a golden cheesy crust, this recipe is simple yet incredibly satisfying. Serve it with a side of marinara sauce for extra flavor!
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, or until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the 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. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve warm, optionally with a side of marinara sauce.
Notes
- For a more robust flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture.
- You can substitute kale for spinach if desired.
- Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the bake
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: spinach ricotta pasta bake, creamy spinach pasta, cheesy baked pasta