Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Bake

Looking for a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week? This Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Bake is the answer. It’s a cheesy, savory, and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to be a hit with the whole family. Let’s dive into this flavorful recipe.

Ingredients

Pasta

• 10 oz ziti or any short pasta of your choice, cooked and drained (reserve one cup cooking water)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded

Cheese Mixture

• 16 oz ricotta cheese
• ½ cup parmesan cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 12 oz frozen spinach, thawed and chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tomato Sauce

• 24 oz tomato puree
• 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce

In a medium bowl, mix together the tomato puree, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. Chop the thawed spinach and place it in a colander to drain any excess liquid.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped spinach, minced garlic, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve a creamy consistency.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Cheese Mixture

1. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese and spinach mixture. Stir until the pasta is well coated.
2. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 5: Add the Tomato Sauce and Cheese

1. Pour the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the pasta.
2. Sprinkle the freshly shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Calories: 350 kcal per serving
• Servings: 6

Conclusion

This Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Bake is a delightful blend of rich cheeses, savory tomato sauce, and hearty pasta. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or as a make-ahead meal for busy weekdays. Enjoy this comforting dish with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Happy cooking!