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Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake

A comforting dish featuring creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and bubbly cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce
  • 1 pound Penne or rigatoni pasta (16 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup Marinara sauce optional, for topping
Cheeses
  • 15 ounces Ricotta cheese (about 2 cups)
  • 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese divided
Vegetables and Seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
  • 5 ounces Fresh spinach, chopped (about 5 cups)
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Salt plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper

Method
 

Preparation and Cooking
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boiling point. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, about 8 to 10 minutes until just al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  4. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and stir it occasionally as it wilts, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, egg, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  6. Fold the cooked pasta and spinach mixture into the ricotta mix. Stir gently until well incorporated.
  7. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Pour the pasta-ricotta mixture into the dish and spread evenly. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
  9. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Let the bake rest before cutting for better shape. Use fresh spinach whenever possible.