Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake

If you’re a fan of comfort food that also packs a punch of nutrition, look no further than the Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake. This delicious, hearty dish combines the creamy goodness of ricotta cheese with the nutritional benefits of spinach, all wrapped up in a perfectly baked pasta ensemble. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Health Benefits of Spinach

Spinach is a powerhouse of nutrition. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and magnesium, it supports everything from bone health to immune function. Incorporating spinach into your meals can help boost your overall health and keep you feeling energetic.

The Magic of Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese is a soft, creamy cheese that’s perfect for baking. Made from whey, it’s lower in fat and calories compared to many other cheeses, making it a great choice for a lighter pasta bake. Its mild flavor and smooth texture blend beautifully with spinach and pasta, creating a harmonious and satisfying dish.

Choosing the Right Pasta

When it comes to pasta bakes, not all pasta types are created equal. For this recipe, short, sturdy pasta like penne, rigatoni, or ziti are ideal. They hold up well during baking and help capture all the cheesy, saucy goodness in every bite.

Preparing the Spinach

Fresh spinach provides a vibrant color and fresh flavor, but frozen spinach can be a convenient alternative. If using fresh spinach, be sure to wash it thoroughly and sauté it until wilted. For frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in your bake.

Making the Ricotta Mixture

The ricotta mixture is the heart of this dish. Here’s how to make it:

1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 beaten egg, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Fold in the prepared spinach until evenly distributed.

Layering the Pasta Bake

Layering is key to a perfect pasta bake. Follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
4. Add a layer of cooked pasta, followed by a layer of the ricotta-spinach mixture.
5. Repeat the layers, ending with a generous topping of marinara sauce.
6. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Baking Tips and Tricks

To achieve a beautifully baked pasta dish, follow these tips:

• Oven Settings: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Golden Crust: For an extra crispy top, broil the pasta bake for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.

Serving Suggestions

Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake pairs wonderfully with:

• A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or focaccia
• A glass of crisp white wine or a light red

Variations of the Recipe

This versatile recipe can be easily adapted:

• Adding Meat: Incorporate cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or chicken for added protein.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella, and skip the egg.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers can be a lifesaver. Here’s how to store and reheat your pasta bake:

• Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.

FAQs

1. Can I use other greens besides spinach?
   • Yes, kale or Swiss chard can be great substitutes.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   • Absolutely! Assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking.
3. Is it possible to freeze Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake?
   • Yes, freeze before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
   • Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or use spicy Italian sausage.
5. What other cheeses can I use?
   • Ricotta can be mixed with cottage cheese for a different texture, or try using a blend of Italian cheeses.

Conclusion

Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake is a delightful dish that combines simplicity and flavor in one hearty meal. Its rich, creamy layers are sure to please even the pickiest eaters, while its nutritional benefits make it a wholesome choice. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding to make. So, roll up your sleeves and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!

Yield: 6

Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake

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If you're a fan of comfort food that also packs a punch of nutrition, look no further than the Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake. This delicious, hearty dish combines the creamy goodness of ricotta cheese with the nutritional benefits of spinach, all wrapped up in a perfectly baked pasta ensemble. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 300g / 10 oz ziti pasta, uncooked, or other short pasta of choice
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese , shredded (or more! For topping)
• Ricotta Mixture:
• 1 lb / 500 g ricotta (Note 1)
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese , grated
• 2 garlic cloves , crushed
• 350g / 12oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and excess liquid pressed out
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese , shredded
• 3/4 tsp salt & pepper
• Shortcut Pasta Sauce:
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves , minced
• 700g / 24oz tomato passata (1 standard bottle) (Note 2)
• 1 tsp EACH onion and garlic powder
• 2 tsp dried Italian Mixed Herbs (Note 3)
• 1/2 tsp dried chili flakes , to taste (optional)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• Black pepper
• 2 tbsp water (if needed)
• To Serve:
• Parmesan cheese , grated

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F/180C.

Pasta Sauce: Pour out about 1/4 cup of the passata (to make room to add flavourings). Add the remaining Pasta Sauce ingredients into the bottle, screw the lid on and give it a shake.

Cook pasta for time per packet MINUS 1 minute. 

SCOOP OUT 1 mugful pasta cooking water, drain and set aside.

Ricotta Mixture - Mix Ricotta Mixture ingredients in a very large bowl. Use a splash of pasta cooking water if needed to make it creamy.

Add pasta and stir to combine. Transfer to a heatproof baking dish.

Top with Pasta Sauce, top with cheese. Loosely cover with foil.

Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the cover and bake for a further 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve while hot and fresh!

Notes

1. Ricotta - Some ricottas are soft and creamy, others are a bit drier and more crumbly. Use pasta cooking water to loosen ricotta so it can be tossed through the pasta (see video for consistency).

Spinach - or use 1 large bunch of fresh, shredded.

3. Mixed Italian Herbs is a dried herb mix you can get from the supermarket which costs the same as other herbs. You can substitute with a mix of other dried herbs - basil, parsley, oregano and thyme go particularly well.

4. Tomato passata is strained pureed canned tomatoes. Readily available in supermarkets nowadays, usually alongside pasta sauces, same price as canned tomatoes. US/Canada best sub - what you know as Tomato Sauce (eg. Hunts)

5. Storage - Keep leftovers in the fridge and reheat in microwave. To freeze, assemble but do not bake, then freeze. Thaw then bake per recipe. 

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 570