This hearty and wholesome Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake brings together rich, cheesy comfort with the freshness of leafy greens—all in one easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping for the week ahead, or serving a crowd, this pasta bake is an ideal go-to. It’s packed with creamy ricotta, vibrant spinach, savory tomato sauce, and melty cheese, all baked until bubbling and golden. Best of all, it’s customizable to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
Why This Spinach Pasta Bake Will Be Your New Favorite
This dish is more than just a satisfying dinner—it’s a clever way to enjoy wholesome ingredients while indulging in comfort food. Here’s why it stands out:
- Incredibly Creamy and Cheesy – The ricotta and mozzarella give it a luscious, rich texture that melts in your mouth.
- Veggie-Packed and Nutritious – A generous helping of spinach adds color, flavor, and a nutritional boost.
- Meal Prep Friendly – You can make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for future meals.
- Versatile and Customizable – From the type of pasta to additional mix-ins, you can tweak it to your liking.
- Kid-Approved and Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will enjoy this cheesy pasta dish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
To create this comforting and satisfying dish, you’ll need the following:
- Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are great choices, as their shapes trap the sauce beautifully.
- Ricotta Cheese: The star of the filling—smooth, creamy, and lightly tangy.
- Mozzarella Cheese: For gooey, melty deliciousness on top.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to balance the richness.
- Spinach: Use fresh or frozen (just make sure to squeeze out the excess moisture if frozen).
- Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture so it holds together while baking.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth and classic Italian aroma.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and flavoring the tomato sauce.
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes: The base for a simple, flavorful marinara-style sauce.
- Onion: Provides a sweet and savory flavor foundation.
- Dried Herbs: Oregano and basil infuse the sauce and filling with herby warmth.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but great for adding a bit of heat.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the layers.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: Chopped herbs add freshness and visual appeal for garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta just until al dente—about two minutes less than the package recommends—to prevent it from turning mushy during baking. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes to develop flavor.
3. Make the Ricotta-Spinach Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, thawed and drained spinach (or sautéed fresh spinach), one egg, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Fold in half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
4. Assemble the Pasta Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). In a greased baking dish, spread a small amount of tomato sauce across the bottom. Toss the cooked pasta with the remaining sauce, then layer half of it into the dish. Spoon on half of the ricotta-spinach mixture, then repeat with the remaining pasta and ricotta filling. Finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan sprinkled generously over the top.
5. Bake Until Golden
Place the dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the top turns a beautiful golden brown. For an extra-crispy top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
6. Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness. Pair with a crisp salad or warm bread for a complete meal.
Serving Size and Timing
- Servings: 6–8 people
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Delicious Variations to Try
Make this dish your own with these fun and flavorful twists:
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked shredded chicken or ground turkey for added heartiness.
- Boost the Veggies: Layer in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to give it a kick.
- Try Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different melty texture.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This pasta bake is excellent for leftovers and future meals. Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a tightly wrapped container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes until hot.
Spinach & Ricotta Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 400 g pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
- 500 g ricotta cheese
- 250 g frozen spinach, thawed and drained (or 300g fresh, wilted)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 800 g canned crushed tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions), then drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, spinach, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Fold in half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Mix the remaining sauce with the cooked pasta and ricotta-spinach mixture. Transfer to the baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Thaw the spinach fully, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing it into the ricotta.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta varieties like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold up well and capture the sauce and filling perfectly.
Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?
Yes! Cottage cheese is lighter and higher in protein, although it offers a slightly different texture.
How do I keep the pasta from becoming soggy?
Make sure to undercook the pasta slightly and avoid overbaking the dish.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Definitely. Assemble the bake ahead of time and freeze it unbaked or baked. Thaw overnight before reheating.
How can I make the top extra crispy?
Use the broil setting for the last few minutes of baking to brown the cheese on top beautifully.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes—just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure the tomato sauce is gluten-free.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You can assemble the pasta bake up to 24 hours ahead. Store it in the fridge covered until you’re ready to bake.
What should I serve with this pasta bake?
A green salad with vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread make excellent accompaniments.
Can I add herbs to the ricotta mixture?
Absolutely. Fresh or dried thyme, basil, or parsley will enhance the flavor of the filling.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Spinach Ricotta Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort dish with a wholesome twist. It’s cheesy, saucy, and packed with greens—making it the perfect recipe for everything from family dinners to cozy meal preps. Easy to make and freezer-friendly, it’s a dish that checks every box for flavor, convenience, and nourishment. Try it once, and you’ll have it on repeat in your weekly menu.
