Best Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake: Easy Italian Comfort
A creamy, comforting Italian pasta bake featuring tender rigatoni, rich ricotta cheese, and fresh spinach, topped with melted mozzarella and baked to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) dry short pasta (rigatoni, penne, or fusilli)
- 2 cups (500g) full-fat small-curd ricotta cheese
- 10 oz (280g) fresh baby spinach or frozen chopped spinach
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1.5 cups (170g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup (50g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil for sautéing and greasing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Boil pasta in salted water until 1-2 minutes before al dente, then drain and set aside.
- If using fresh spinach, wilt it in a pan with olive oil for 2-3 minutes; if using frozen, thaw and squeeze out all excess water.
- In a large bowl, whisk ricotta, eggs, parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Fold the chopped spinach into the ricotta mixture.
- Add the cooked pasta to the ricotta mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spread evenly, and top with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Broil for 2 minutes for a crispier top if desired.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ensure spinach is thoroughly drained to prevent a watery bake. Undercook pasta slightly as it will continue to cook in the oven. Let the dish rest before serving to allow the cheese to set. Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated, adding 10-15 minutes to bake time if cooking from cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 22
Keywords: spinach ricotta pasta bake, italian comfort food, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian dinner, meal prep, cheesy pasta, family friendly meals