Description
This Spinach and Cheese Pasta Bake is a comforting and cheesy dish that is perfect for a family dinner. It’s packed with spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
400 g (14 oz) small pasta (malfade, penne, rigatoni, or small shells)
375 g (13 oz) ricotta
2 cups (300 g) freshly shredded mozzarella
1 cup (100 g) freshly grated parmesan
3 cups (130 g) firmly packed baby spinach
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp freshly grated garlic
1/2 tsp sea salt flakes
1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
500 g (1 lb 2 oz) good-quality tomato pasta sauce
1/2 cup (125 g) pesto
1/3 cup (20 g) panko breadcrumbs
Olive oil spray
Olive oil
Chilli (red pepper) flakes (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
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In a large bowl, mix together ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, spinach, lemon zest, minced garlic, sea salt, and cracked black pepper.
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In a baking dish, layer the cooked pasta, followed by the cheese mixture, tomato sauce, and pesto.
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Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the top, drizzle with olive oil, and add chili flakes if using.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
– You can add cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.
– Feel free to add in other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 45mg