Description
Rich layers of spinach and ricotta pasta bake combine Mediterranean flavors with comforting home-style cooking. Quick weeknight meals become special with this creamy, cheesy Italian-inspired classic you can prepare in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) frozen spinach, thawed and chopped
- 10 oz (280 g) ziti or short pasta, cooked and drained
- 24 oz (680 g) tomato puree
- 16 oz (450 g) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ tbsps olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Calibrate the oven to 350°F (175°C) with the rack positioned centrally for optimal heat distribution.
- Sauce Creation: Whisk tomato puree with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and black pepper until a harmonious, smooth sauce emerges.
- Spinach and Cheese Fusion: Thoroughly drain spinach, then blend with minced garlic, ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella, seasoning with salt and pepper to create a rich, creamy filling.
- Pasta Integration: Incorporate cooked pasta into the cheese-spinach mixture, using reserved pasta water to enhance the silky consistency and ensure even coating.
- Assembly and Layering: Spread the pasta blend evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish, cascading the prepared tomato sauce over the top and generously sprinkling additional mozzarella for a golden, melted finish.
- Baking Perfection: Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden crust and the interior reaches optimal temperature.
- Resting and Serving: Allow the pasta bake to settle for 5 minutes post-baking, then embellish with finely chopped parsley before presenting this sumptuous, flavor-packed dish.
Notes
- Drain Spinach Thoroughly: Press out every drop of liquid to prevent a soggy, watery pasta bake that could ruin the dish’s texture.
- Pasta Water Magic: Reserve a splash of starchy pasta water to create an incredibly creamy and smooth sauce that binds ingredients perfectly.
- Cheese Layer Strategy: Grate fresh mozzarella on top for a golden, bubbling cheese crust that adds delicious texture and visual appeal.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow the pasta bake to rest for 5 minutes after baking, which helps set the dish and makes serving cleaner and more manageable.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 393
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg