One Pan 4 Cheese Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta Bake

If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, you’ll love this One Pan 4 Cheese Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta Bake. This dish combines creamy cheeses, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach with pasta for a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

What is One Pan 4 Cheese Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta Bake?

This pasta bake is a delightful combination of pasta, a mix of four cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all baked together in one pan. It’s a convenient and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.

The Appeal of One-Pan Meals

One-pan meals are beloved for their simplicity and convenience. They require minimal cleanup, as everything is cooked in a single pan, and they often involve straightforward, easy-to-follow steps. This pasta bake is no exception, making it a great choice for home cooks of all levels.

Ingredients Needed

Pasta

Choose your favorite type of pasta for this dish. Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are great options that hold up well in a bake.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tangy, slightly sweet flavor. Look for ones packed in oil for extra richness.

Fresh Spinach

Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and a boost of nutrients. You can also use baby spinach for a milder taste.

Four Types of Cheese

Mozzarella

Mozzarella melts beautifully and provides a creamy, gooey texture.

Parmesan

Parmesan adds a sharp, salty flavor that enhances the overall dish.

Ricotta

Ricotta cheese brings a creamy, slightly sweet flavor and adds to the richness of the bake.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese contributes to the creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together.

Garlic

Garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Use fresh cloves for the best taste.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, adding a rich, fruity flavor.

Vegetable or Chicken Broth

Broth adds moisture and flavor to the pasta as it bakes. Choose vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

Salt and Pepper

Basic seasonings to enhance the flavors of the dish.

Fresh Herbs

Fresh basil or parsley can be used to add a burst of freshness at the end.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Combining Everything in One Pan

1. Add Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
2. Mix in Cheeses: Add ricotta, cream cheese, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir until the cheeses are melted and well combined.
3. Add Pasta and Broth: Stir in the cooked pasta and vegetable or chicken broth. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly.

Baking the Pasta

1. Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top of the pasta mixture.
2. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Cooking Methods

Oven-Baked

Baking the pasta in the oven allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese to become perfectly gooey and golden.

Stovetop Start, Oven Finish

Starting the dish on the stovetop and finishing it in the oven saves time and ensures the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta bake with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A glass of white wine or a light red wine pairs beautifully with the rich, cheesy flavors.

Tips for Perfect Pasta Bake

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach, high-quality cheeses, and good olive oil make a big difference.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so don’t overcook it initially.
• Let it Rest: Allow the pasta bake to rest for a few minutes before serving to set and cool slightly.

Variations to Try

Add Protein

Add cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp for a heartier meal.

Vegetarian Options

Use additional vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.

Spicy Twist

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Side Dishes to Complement

• Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the cheesy sauce.
• Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad balances the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy, flavorful side.

Health Benefits of This Dish

This pasta bake provides a good source of calcium from the cheeses and vitamins from the spinach. Using whole-grain pasta and fresh ingredients can increase the nutritional value.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
2. Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, thaw and drain frozen spinach before adding it to the skillet.
3. Can I substitute the cheeses? Feel free to use your favorite cheeses or what you have on hand. Just keep the proportions similar.
4. How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
5. Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free pasta and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion

One Pan 4 Cheese Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the delicious combination of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and four different cheeses all in one convenient, comforting bake.

Yield: 8

One Pan 4 Cheese Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta Bake

Print

If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, you’ll love this One Pan 4 Cheese Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta Bake. This dish combines creamy cheeses, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach with pasta for a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed san marzano tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes oil drained, but reserved
• 1 (10 ounce) pkg frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed of excess liquid
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• kosher salt and black pepper
• crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup red wine or chicken broth
• 1 pound rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup cubed fontina cheese
• 1 1/2 cups grated asiago cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded provolone
• fresh basil, parsley, or oregano, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375° F. Oil a 9x13 inch baking dish.

2. To the baking dish, add the tomatoes, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes...plus 3 tablespoons of the oil left in the jar, the spinach, garlic, basil, oregano, red wine, and 1 1/2 cups water. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Add the dry pasta, fontina cheese, asiago, and parmesan, tossing to coat. Push down gently on the pasta to submerge it. Sprinkle the provolone evenly over top.

3. Rub the underside of a piece of foil with oil. Tightly cover the baking dish with the foil, oiled side facing down. Bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake another 15- 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and top with fresh herbs.