Go Back

Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe for a Quick Family Dinner

Creamy baked pasta · Cozy family dinner · Easy cheesy comfort food
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Pasta
  • 12 oz ziti penne, or rigatoni
  • 10 oz frozen chopped spinach thawed and drained well
  • For the Cheese Filling
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • For the Sauce
  • 1 cup tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp chili flakes optional
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For Topping
  • 1 to 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
  • Extra parmesan for serving
  • Fresh basil optional

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
  3. Step 2: Cook the Pasta
  4. Boil pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  5. Step 3: Make the Sauce
  6. In a bowl, combine tomato passata, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.
  7. Step 4: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
  8. In a large bowl, mix ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, garlic, spinach, salt, and pepper.
  9. If the mixture feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  10. Step 5: Assemble
  11. Add cooked pasta to the ricotta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
  12. Transfer everything into the baking dish and spread evenly.
  13. Step 6: Add Sauce and Cheese
  14. Spoon the tomato sauce over the pasta.
  15. Top generously with mozzarella and extra parmesan.
  16. Step 7: Bake
  17. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  18. Remove foil and bake another 5–10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  19. Step 8: Serve
  20. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  21. Finish with fresh basil and extra parmesan if desired.

Notes

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Drain spinach well: Extra moisture can make the pasta bake watery.
  • Undercook pasta slightly: This prevents mushy pasta after baking.
  • Use pasta water: It helps loosen the ricotta mixture and creates a creamier texture.
  • Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate.
  • Want extra flavor? Add fresh basil, oregano, or roasted garlic.