Awesome Penne Spinach Bake
Get ready to savor the ultimate comfort food with this *Awesome Penne Spinach Bake*! This easy-to-make baked pasta dish features tender penne coated in a luscious mix of creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, savory Parmesan, and vibrant crushed tomatoes. Packed with nutrient-rich fresh spinach and infused with the bold flavors of garlic and Italian seasoning, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between wholesome ingredients and indulgent taste. Topped with a golden, bubbly layer of cheese, this hearty casserole is baked to perfection and ready to impress. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping, this 6-serving dish will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re a pasta lover, a spinach enthusiast, or just in need of a top-notch baked meal, this penne spinach bake delivers on all fronts!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, spinach mixture, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional Parmesan or fresh basil, if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
424 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.1 g | 30% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.5 g | 58% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 61 mg | 20% | |
| Sodium | 893 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30.2 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.1 g | ||
| Protein | 26.1 g | 52% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 577 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 729 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
