Spinach and Ricotta Baked Pasta
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Spinach and Ricotta Baked Pasta, a hearty dish that combines creamy ricotta, tender spinach, and perfectly cooked penne pasta baked under a blanket of gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make recipe layers fresh marinara sauce with a cheesy, spinach-filled pasta blend, delivering a satisfying meal that’s ready in under an hour. The addition of garlic, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes adds a flavorful depth, while the golden, bubbly topping makes it irresistible. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy family gathering, this baked pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. It’s a simple yet decadent way to enjoy Italian-inspired comfort food!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta (or other short pasta)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, the egg, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the cooked spinach mixture and season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the ricotta mixture. Stir to coat the pasta evenly.
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the pasta mixture on top of the sauce.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the pasta and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the baked pasta rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
436 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 25.5 g | 33% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.1 g | 60% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 92 mg | 31% | |
| Sodium | 1026 mg | 45% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 26.1 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.2 g | ||
| Protein | 26.1 g | 52% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 563 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 311 mg | 7% | |
*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.
