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Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake

Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake: Comfort in Every Cheesy Bite

Delight in this Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake, a comforting vegetarian dish loaded with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and wholesome spinach.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Ziti Pasta Feel free to swap with penne or macaroni.
For the Filling
  • 10 oz Frozen Chopped Spinach Fresh spinach can be used if well-drained.
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese Any type works wonderfully.
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Adds a salty richness.
For the Sauce
  • 24 oz Tomato Passata Can substitute with crushed tomatoes.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Cloves Fresh is best.
  • 1 tsp Dried Italian Mixed Herbs Oregano, basil, or thyme are great alternatives.
  • 1/2 tsp Chili Flakes Adjust according to your taste preference.
  • 1 tsp Sugar Balances acidity.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
For the Topping
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese Sprinkle generously.
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil Enhances richness.

Equipment

  • Baking Dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • large pot
  • Jar for Mixing Sauce

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. Combine tomato passata, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and dried Italian mixed herbs in a mixing jar.
  3. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook ziti according to the package instructions, but for one minute less than directed.
  4. Mix ricotta cheese, grated parmesan, drained frozen spinach, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth.
  5. Combine cooked ziti with the ricotta mixture and transfer it into a greased baking dish.
  6. Pour the prepared sauce over the pasta mixture and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
  7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  8. Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Make sure to drain the spinach well to avoid a soggy bake. You can prepare the bake in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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