A delicious and comforting Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake, perfect for a hearty meal.
Author:Caroline Jones
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:35 min
Total Time:55 min
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
400 g rigatoni or penne
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, chopped
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 can (400 g) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt & pepper to taste
250 g ricotta cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
COOK THE PASTA – Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
MAKE THE SAUCE – In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Add crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened and fragrant.
MIX THE RICOTTA LAYER – In a bowl, mix ricotta with half of the Parmesan. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for flavor.
ASSEMBLE THE BAKE – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Add half the pasta, dollops of ricotta mix, and more sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.
BAKE & SERVE – Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Swap ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter texture.
Use whole grain or gluten-free pasta to make it even healthier.