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!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

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)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the ricotta mixture. Stir to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 7

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the pasta mixture on top of the sauce.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11

Let the baked pasta rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1913.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2579.7

Total Fat 149.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 69.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.6g
Cholesterol 610.9mg	0%
Sodium 6652.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 164.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.1g	0%
Total Sugars 19.0g
Protein 156.1g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 3876.5mg	0%
Iron 12.6mg	0%
Potassium 1863.2mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.2%

Protein: 23.8%

Carbs: 25.0%