Spinach Pasta Bake
Dive into comfort food bliss with this cheesy Spinach Pasta Bake, a hearty and flavorful casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Featuring tender penne pasta layered with a creamy ricotta-spinach mixture, rich marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese, this baked dish delivers incredible flavor in every bite. Topped with a golden crust of Parmesan and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of spice, it’s a versatile vegetarian recipe that’s as satisfying as it is simple. With just 15 minutes of prep time and classic ingredients like baby spinach, garlic, and Italian cheeses, this easy pasta bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for meal prep or serving fresh from the oven, this spinach pasta bake is a delicious way to bring comfort and nutrition to your table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne pasta
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz Baby spinach, fresh
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- 1 Egg
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups Marinara sauce
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.25 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil or cooking spray.
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 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet in batches, stirring until wilted. Once all the spinach is cooked, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, cooked spinach, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add half of the cooked pasta on top and spread it out evenly.
Dollop half of the spinach and ricotta mixture over the pasta, then pour 1 cup of marinara sauce on top. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the layer.
Repeat the layers: Add the remaining pasta, dollop the remaining ricotta mixture, pour the rest of the marinara sauce, and finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly on top. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy spinach pasta bake!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3010 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 133.3 g | 171% | |
| Saturated Fat | 65.4 g | 327% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 603 mg | 201% | |
| Sodium | 6252 mg | 272% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 299.9 g | 109% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.1 g | 79% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.1 g | ||
| Protein | 167.6 g | 335% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 3798 mg | 292% | |
| Iron | 22.4 mg | 124% | |
| Potassium | 2466 mg | 52% | |
*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.
