Spinach and Hot Ham Baked Pasta with a Crispy Top
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Spinach and Hot Ham Baked Pasta with a Crispy Top, a hearty and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Tender penne pasta is coated in a rich, cheesy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, combined with savory hot ham, sautéed garlic spinach, and a tangy marinara sauce. Topped with a golden layer of crispy, buttery panko breadcrumbs, this baked pasta masterpiece strikes the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy in every bite. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for busy weeknights yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Whether you're searching for a baked pasta recipe with a twist or simply looking to elevate your dinner game, this spinach and ham combo will leave you craving seconds! Great for meal prepping and guaranteed to please any crowd.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz dry penne pasta
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 8 oz hot ham, thinly sliced and chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 24 oz jarred marinara sauce
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed spinach, chopped hot ham, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the pasta is heated through.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Spinach and Hot Ham Baked Pasta with a Crispy Top!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4424 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 184.8 g | 237% | |
| Saturated Fat | 88.6 g | 443% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 560 mg | 187% | |
| Sodium | 10756 mg | 468% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 468.3 g | 170% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 32.2 g | 115% | |
| Total Sugars | 51.8 g | ||
| Protein | 238.9 g | 478% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 3948 mg | 304% | |
| Iron | 21.6 mg | 120% | |
| Potassium | 3484 mg | 74% | |
*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.
