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Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake

Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake for Cozy Nights In

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Delight in this Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake, a comforting meal ready in 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Ziti Pasta Can substitute with penne or macaroni.
For the Filling
  • 10 oz Frozen Chopped Spinach Ensure it is well-drained.
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese Any type of ricotta is suitable.
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese Grated or shredded.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated for topping.
For the Sauce
  • 28 oz Tomato Passata Crushed tomatoes can also be used.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Cloves Minced; fresh is best.
  • 1 tbsp Dried Italian Mixed Herbs Can substitute with oregano, basil, or thyme.
  • 1 tsp Chili Flakes Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tbsp Sugar Balances acidity.
  • 1 tsp Salt To taste.
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Adjust according to preference.
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil Adds richness to the dish.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Gather all your ingredients and equipment.
  2. In a medium jar or mixing bowl, combine the tomato passata, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and dried Italian mixed herbs.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook for 1 minute less than the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the water.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, and drained spinach. Season with salt and pepper, then mix until creamy.
  5. Fold the cooked ziti pasta into the ricotta mixture. If too thick, add reserved pasta water. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
  6. Pour sauce over the pasta mixture and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden brown.
  8. Let cool for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, make sure to drain the spinach well and adjust creaminess of the mixture with reserved pasta water if necessary.

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