Description
This Spinach and Cheese Pasta Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that combines creamy ricotta, tangy lemon zest, and a mix of gooey cheeses. The addition of spinach adds a nutritious twist to this classic pasta bake.
Ingredients
- – 400 g small pasta (malfade, penne, rigatoni, or small shells)
- – 375 g ricotta
- – 300 g freshly shredded mozzarella
- – 100 g freshly grated parmesan
- – 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 good-quality tomato pasta sauce
- – 125 g pesto
- – 20 g panko breadcrumbs
- – Olive oil spray
- – Olive oil
- – Chilli (red pepper) flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare the pasta: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, lemon zest, garlic, sea salt, and cracked black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Wilt the spinach: Heat a small amount of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Allow it to cool slightly before chopping it and adding to the cheese mixture.
- Combine pasta and sauce: In the large bowl with the cheese and spinach mixture, add the cooked pasta, tomato pasta sauce, and pesto. Mix until the pasta is fully coated.
- Assemble the bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly on top and lightly spray with olive oil.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
- Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Optionally, sprinkle with chili flakes for a touch of heat and serve.
Notes
- You can add cooked chicken or bacon for extra protein.
- For a healthier option, use whole wheat pasta and low-fat cheeses.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 40mg