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–+ servings
Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake

Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake Ready in 30 Minutes

This Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake is a comforting, delicious dish, perfect for busy weeknights and packed with flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta and Sauce
  • 12 oz Ziti Pasta Can substitute with penne or macaroni.
  • 24 oz Tomato Passata Crushed tomatoes can be used for a chunkier sauce.
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
For the Spinach and Cheese Mixture
  • 10 oz Frozen Chopped Spinach Fresh spinach can also be used if well-drained.
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese Cottage cheese is a great lower-fat substitute.
  • 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese Additional cheese can be added for more cheesiness.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated is easiest for topping.
For Flavoring
  • 2 cloves Garlic Cloves Fresh garlic is ideal; garlic powder can be used as well.
  • 1 tbsp Dried Italian Mixed Herbs Can substitute with oregano, basil, or thyme.
  • 1/2 tsp Chili Flakes Adjust to your spice preference.
  • 1 tsp Sugar Balances acidity of tomatoes.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
Finishing Touches
  • 1 tbsp Dried Italian Mixed Herbs For sprinkling on top before baking.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • mixing bowl
  • Baking Dish
  • large pot

Method
 

Step‑By‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare the baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
  2. Combine the tomato passata, olive oil, minced garlic, and dried herbs in a bowl to create the sauce.
  3. In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions, undercooking by one minute.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, parmesan, spinach, salt, and pepper until creamy. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
  5. Gently mix the cooked pasta with the cheese mixture until well coated, then transfer to the baking dish.
  6. Pour the tomato sauce over the pasta mixture and top with mozzarella cheese.
  7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden.
  8. Let rest for a few minutes, garnish with basil or extra parmesan if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best results, drain the spinach well, use reserved pasta water to adjust the ricotta mixture's consistency, and layer generously with mozzarella cheese.

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