Mostaccioli Spinach Bake
Indulge in the comforting layers of this Mostaccioli Spinach Bake, a deliciously cheesy pasta casserole that’s packed with flavor and perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. This easy baked pasta dish combines tender mostaccioli with a savory ricotta and spinach filling, all blanketed in rich marinara sauce and topped with a golden, bubbling trio of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Enhanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, this one-dish wonder is both hearty and nutritious. With just 15 minutes of prep and a quick 30-minute bake, this vegetarian mostaccioli recipe delivers irresistible Italian-inspired flavors the whole family will love. Serve it fresh out of the oven with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a side of garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Mostaccioli pasta
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 6 cups Fresh spinach
- 3 count Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 24 oz Marinara sauce
- 0.5 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Dried Italian seasoning
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a small amount of olive oil and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the mostaccioli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Gradually add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring frequently until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, and the cooked spinach. Add the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and mix until well combined.
In the prepared baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom. Add half of the cooked pasta in an even layer on top of the sauce.
Spread half of the ricotta-spinach mixture over the pasta. Then top with another cup of marinara sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and marinara sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2427 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 140.7 g | 180% | |
| Saturated Fat | 66.9 g | 334% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 407 mg | 136% | |
| Sodium | 6364 mg | 277% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 161.8 g | 59% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.5 g | 62% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.0 g | ||
| Protein | 138.1 g | 276% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 3766 mg | 290% | |
| Iron | 14.5 mg | 81% | |
| Potassium | 633 mg | 13% | |
*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.
