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Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake

Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake Ready in 30 Minutes

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This Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake is a comforting dish that combines ziti pasta, creamy ricotta, and vibrant spinach, ready in just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
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 Fresh spinach can be used if well-drained.
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese Any type can be used.
  • 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese Be generous for extra cheesiness.
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated varieties are easiest.
For the Sauce
  • 24 oz Tomato Passata Can substitute with crushed tomatoes.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh is ideal; garlic powder can save time.
  • 1 tbsp Dried Italian Mixed Herbs Oregano, basil, or thyme can be used.
  • 0.5 tsp Chili Flakes Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
  • 1 tbsp Sugar Balances tomato acidity.
For Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Salt To taste.
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper To taste.
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • large pot
  • baking dish
  • medium mixing jar

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. In a medium mixing jar, combine the tomato passata, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and dried Italian mixed herbs. Stir well.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the ziti pasta. Cook according to package instructions, reducing the time by one minute.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, well-drained frozen spinach, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
  5. Gently fold the cooked ziti into your ricotta mixture until evenly coated. Transfer this mixture into a greased baking dish.
  6. Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the pasta mixture and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
  7. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
  8. Let the Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake sit for a few minutes before serving. Optionally garnish with fresh basil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 18gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure spinach is well-drained to prevent a watery pasta bake. Cook the ziti just one minute less than instructed for optimal texture.

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