Florentine Pasta Bake
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Florentine Pasta Bake, a comforting dish packed with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Tender penne pasta is perfectly coated in a luscious sauce made from ricotta, cream cheese, and Parmesan, then combined with vibrant sautéed spinach for a pop of freshness. Topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella, this golden-baked masterpiece is seasoned with a hint of garlic, Italian herbs, and a touch of red pepper for a subtle kick. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy pasta bake is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Serve it hot, straight from the oven, and watch as it becomes a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and whole milk. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Stir in the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Add the sautéed spinach and cooked pasta to the bowl, and mix until fully combined and evenly coated.
Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the edges are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3551 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 183.8 g | 236% | |
| Saturated Fat | 95.8 g | 479% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 561 mg | 187% | |
| Sodium | 6126 mg | 266% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 305.6 g | 111% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.2 g | 61% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.3 g | ||
| Protein | 182.5 g | 365% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.0 mcg | 20% | |
| Calcium | 4237 mg | 326% | |
| Iron | 19.0 mg | 106% | |
| Potassium | 1658 mg | 35% | |
*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.
