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This creamy spinach and ricotta pasta bake is the ultimate comfort meal when you want hearty Italian flavors but do not have the time or energy for hand-stuffed shells or cannelloni. With plenty of gooey cheese and a shortcut tomato sauce, this will be your new go-to weeknight crowd-pleaser.
I put this on the table during a busy school week and everyone devoured it without a word we all had seconds and my picky eater asked for leftovers in her lunchbox
Ingredients
- Ziti pasta or other short pasta: cooks evenly and scoops up sauce
- Mozzarella cheese: shredded for a melty iconic topping and inside the bake always buy a block and grate yourself if possible for the best melt
- Ricotta: fresh or firm for creaminess in every bite use a good quality ricotta for better flavor
- Parmesan cheese: finely grated adds sharpness look for real Parmigiano on the rind
- Garlic cloves: fresh and crushed for real depth
- Frozen chopped spinach: thawed and squeezed dry to keep everything creamy go for organic if available
- Salt and black pepper: to season and bring flavors together use a big pinch and taste along the way
- Extra virgin olive oil: for the pasta sauce adds richness choose a deep green fragrant bottle
- Tomato passata: pureed for a silky sauce found near pasta sauces select a brand with just tomatoes and salt
- Onion powder and garlic powder: boost the savory base
- Italian mixed herbs: a blend that brings that classic flavor combination
- Dried chili flakes: for a gentle kick
- Sugar: balances out acidity in the tomatoes
- Water: only add if the sauce is too thick
- To serve: finish with extra parmesan for a golden cheesy crust
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350F or 180C so it is hot and ready by the time your bake goes in
- Build the Pasta Sauce:
- Pour out a bit of the tomato passata from the bottle then add olive oil garlic onion powder garlic powder Italian herbs chili flakes sugar salt and pepper directly into the bottle. Shake thoroughly so all the seasonings infuse into the tomato passata
- Cook the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil then cook your pasta for one minute less than the instructed time this ensures your pasta does not overcook in the bake. Reserve a mugful of pasta water before draining
- Mix the Ricotta Filling:
- In a very large bowl combine your ricotta parmesan one cup mozzarella garlic salt pepper and all the squeezed out spinach. Stir until everything is even you can add a splash of pasta water if it needs loosening. Your filling should be creamy but hold its shape
- Combine Pasta and Filling:
- Tip your hot pasta into the bowl with the ricotta mix and toss until the pasta is well coated
- Assemble the Bake:
- Spoon everything into a deep baking dish and pat into an even layer. Pour your prepared tomato sauce evenly over the top. Scatter the rest of the mozzarella and extra parmesan for that bubbly cheesy crust
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for twenty five minutes then uncover and bake for ten minutes more or until all the cheese is melted and golden spots appear. Serve straight out of the oven while hot with a sprinkle of extra parmesan
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My favorite ingredient is always the ricotta I grew up eating ricotta right out of the tub and layering it here in a bubbling bake still feels like a little luxury With every big scoop it brings me right back to my grandma’s kitchen
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to four days just reheat gently in a microwave or oven Add a splash of water before reheating to keep it creamy If you want to freeze prepare everything but do not bake yet Cool assemble cover well and store in the freezer Thaw overnight then bake until bubbly
Ingredient Substitutions
No ziti on hand Try any short pasta like penne or rigatoni Cottage cheese can replace ricotta in a pinch but blend until smooth You can use a whole bunch of fresh chopped spinach if you trim and steam it first Jarred marinara works if you want to skip the homemade sauce just brighten it with fresh herbs or garlic
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Serving Suggestions
Serve this bake with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a hearty meal It makes a wonderful potluck dish because it keeps warm for ages For extra protein stir in some cooked Italian sausage or shredded chicken right into the filling before baking
Cultural and Historical Context
Spinach and ricotta are a classic Italian comfort combination usually stuffed into shells or layered in lasagna This shortcut version is born from busy nights but stays true to those familiar flavors and textures that feel just like nonna’s table
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh spinach works well. Sauté and chop it before mixing with the ricotta for best texture.
- → What pasta shapes are suitable for this bake?
Short pasta like ziti, penne or rigatoni hold the sauce and filling nicely in layered bakes.
- → Is it possible to prepare the bake ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the pasta, cover and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if chilled.
- → How can I keep ricotta creamy in the mix?
Add a splash of pasta cooking water as you stir the ricotta to loosen and create a smooth, creamy texture.
- → Can I freeze leftovers for later?
This dish freezes well. Freeze assembled but unbaked, then thaw and bake as usual for best results.
- → What makes the cheese topping extra golden?
Finishing uncovered lets the mozzarella melt and brown for a bubbly, appetizing crust.