The Ultimate Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe Everyone Loves

Comfort meets creativity in this delightful spinach & ricotta pasta bake that promises a delectable midweek meal.

Cheese lovers will adore the creamy layers melting between perfectly cooked pasta sheets.

Rich and satisfying, this dish combines fresh ingredients with minimal effort.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your plate, delivering nutrition and incredible taste in every bite.

Weeknight dinners can be both simple and spectacular with smart cooking strategies.

Expect a crowd-pleasing recipe that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen.

You’ll want to bookmark this version for future dinner inspiration.

Why Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe Is A Comfort Classic

• Quickly Whip Up a Comfort Meal: This spinach and ricotta pasta bake offers a delightful blend of creamy cheese and nutritious greens, making it a perfect weeknight dinner solution that requires minimal cooking skills.
• Customize with Ease: Home cooks can personalize the dish by adding extra vegetables, switching up cheese types, or incorporating different protein options like chicken or ground beef to suit family preferences.
• Family-Friendly Nutrition Booster: Packed with spinach, this recipe sneaks in healthy greens that kids might typically avoid, creating a delicious way to increase vegetable intake while delivering a crowd-pleasing pasta experience.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: The recipe demands simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, allowing even beginner chefs to create a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour with minimal kitchen expertise.

Everything You Need For Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe

• Pasta: A hearty base that carries the rich flavors of the dish, choose a shape like penne or rigatoni that holds sauce well.
• Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and vibrant color, opt for fresh baby spinach for tender texture.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild cheese that creates a smooth, luxurious sauce, select full-fat ricotta for best consistency.

• Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients, use kosher or sea salt for best taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the overall dish, freshly ground provides more intense flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a delicious base note, fresh garlic cloves offer more robust flavor than pre-minced.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté ingredients and adds a rich, smooth undertone, extra virgin olive oil provides the best flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty finish to the pasta bake, choose freshly grated for maximum flavor and texture.

How To Bake Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe Easily

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Base

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop in the pasta and cook until it’s just shy of being fully done – typically about 2 minutes less than what the package recommends. This ensures your pasta won’t become mushy during baking.

Step 2: Drain And Rest Pasta

Pour the pasta into a colander in the sink, allowing excess water to drain completely. Gently shake the colander to remove any remaining water. Set the pasta aside and let it cool slightly while you prepare the other components.

Step 3: Create Spinach Mixture

• Fresh spinach leaves
• Ricotta cheese
• Grated parmesan
• Minced garlic
• Chopped fresh basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they form a smooth, well-integrated filling.

Step 4: Assemble Pasta Bake

• Spread a thin layer of olive oil on the bottom
• Layer half the pasta
• Spoon the spinach and ricotta mixture evenly
• Add remaining pasta
• Sprinkle additional cheese on top

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and cheese becomes bubbly and slightly crisp around the edges.

Step 6: Rest And Serve

Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier. Slice and serve hot, garnishing with extra fresh basil if desired.

Top Tips For Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe

• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Cook the pasta 2 minutes less than package instructions to ensure it stays perfectly al dente and doesn't become mushy when baked.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture for a subtle, warm undertone that complements the spinach beautifully.
• Maximize Moisture Control: Thoroughly drain spinach and pat dry to prevent excess water from making the pasta bake watery and soggy.
• Create Crispy Top Layer: Sprinkle extra parmesan or breadcrumbs on the surface before baking to develop a golden, crunchy cheese crust.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options to suit different nutritional preferences without compromising taste.

How To Store Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe Without Trouble

• Refrigerate leftover pasta bake in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and potential bacterial growth.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Freezing works wonderfully for this recipe – store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal whenever cravings strike.

Great Sides With Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe

• Enhance with Crisp White Wine: Pair this creamy pasta bake with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. These light, zesty wines cut through the richness of ricotta and complement the spinach's earthy flavor.
• Add Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Toss a simple Greek-style salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese. The fresh, tangy ingredients balance the warm, comforting pasta dish and add a refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread with a golden, buttery crust. Its crunchy texture and garlicky punch perfectly complement the soft, creamy pasta bake and help soak up the delicious sauce.
• Finish with Lemon Sorbet: End the meal with a light, palate-cleansing lemon sorbet. Its bright, citrusy notes will refresh your taste buds after the rich, cheesy pasta and provide a clean, zingy finish to the dining experience.

Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe Variations To Try

• Mediterranean Veggie Fusion: Swap spinach for roasted zucchini and eggplant, adding crumbled feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Protein Power Boost: Incorporate cooked ground turkey or shredded chicken into the ricotta mixture, increasing the protein content and creating a heartier meal.
• Mushroom Lovers' Version: Replace spinach with sautéed wild mushrooms like porcini and shiitake, mixing them with ricotta and adding a hint of truffle oil for an earthy depth.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Mix in diced jalapeños, black beans, and replace ricotta with pepper jack cheese, then top with crushed tortilla chips for a zesty kick.

Quick FAQ List For Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe

• Why should I use ricotta cheese in this pasta bake?

Ricotta adds a creamy, rich texture and mild flavor that perfectly complements the spinach, making the dish lighter and more luxurious than traditional heavy cream-based pasta bakes.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes! Just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing with the ricotta to prevent the dish from becoming watery. Fresh and frozen spinach work equally well in this recipe.

• Is this pasta bake suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This recipe is completely vegetarian-friendly, packed with protein from the ricotta cheese and nutrients from the spinach, making it a delicious meat-free meal option.

• How do I prevent the pasta from becoming too dry when baking?

Cover the baking dish with foil for the first part of cooking to help retain moisture, then remove the foil for the last few minutes to allow the top to become golden and slightly crispy.

Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy spinach & ricotta pasta bake delivers Italian comfort straight to dinner tables. Melted cheese and tender pasta create a satisfying meal perfect for families craving homestyle goodness you’ll want to savor bite after delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Cheese:

• 400 g (14 oz) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
• 500 g (1 lb) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetable and Herb Ingredients:

• 250 g (9 oz) frozen spinach, thawed and drained (or 300 g fresh spinach, wilted)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 800 g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Fill a generously sized pot with water, season with salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
2. Add pasta and cook until slightly firmer than traditional doneness, approximately 2 minutes prior to package recommendation.
3. Carefully drain pasta in a colander, allowing excess water to stream away, then transfer to a separate mixing bowl.
4. Preheat oven to a consistent 375°F, ensuring uniform heat distribution for optimal baking.
5. In a separate mixing vessel, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, minced garlic, and grated parmesan, whisking until ingredients integrate smoothly.
6. Fold the spinach-ricotta mixture into the prepared pasta, ensuring each strand becomes evenly coated with the creamy blend.
7. Transfer the pasta mixture into a ceramic or glass baking dish, spreading contents uniformly to create an even layer.
8. Sprinkle additional parmesan and mozzarella cheese across the top, creating a golden, melting surface.
9. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven, allowing the cheese to melt and develop a slightly crisp, bronzed exterior.
10. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese bubbles and edges turn a rich, appetizing golden brown.
11. Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to settle and sauce to slightly thicken.
12. Serve warm, garnishing with fresh basil leaves or additional grated parmesan if desired.

Notes

• Choose a short pasta shape like penne or rigatoni to help hold the creamy ricotta sauce better and create delightful pockets of cheesy goodness.
• Pat the spinach dry after thawing to prevent excess moisture from making the pasta bake watery and losing its rich, creamy texture.
• For a protein boost, consider adding cooked chicken, crumbled Italian sausage, or crispy pancetta to transform this vegetarian dish into a heartier meal.
• Make this recipe gluten-free by swapping regular pasta with chickpea, rice, or gluten-free pasta varieties without compromising the delicious flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg