Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Bake
Indulge in this delightful Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Bake that unites creamy ricotta and tangy sour cream with tender pasta and vibrant fresh spinach. Perfect as a side dish or a hearty main course, this comforting casserole is baked to golden perfection and is packed with flavor. Each bite is a delicious harmony of cheesy goodness and nutritious greens, making it an ideal meal for spinach lovers and families alike. Serve it warm as a centerpiece for any gathering, and enjoy the smiles at the table.
N/A
Servings
533
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
rigatoni pasta
1 lb (dry, uncooked)
fresh spinach
1 1/2 lbs (stems removed)
ricotta cheese
1 1/2 lbs (fresh)
sour cream
1 1/4 cups (none)
eggs
4 (lightly beaten)
grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup (none)
chopped dill
2 tablespoons (fresh or 1 teaspoon dried)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Generously butter a 4-quart baking dish to prevent sticking.
3
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the rigatoni until it is firm-tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
4
For the spinach, bring another large pot of water to a boil. Add the cleaned spinach and blanch for just 1-2 minutes, until wilted. Immediately drain and transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process. Once cool, squeeze out excess moisture and roughly chop the spinach.
5
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, sour cream, beaten eggs, grated Parmesan, dill, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
6
Pour the spinach and cheese mixture over the cooked pasta in the pot, gently tossing to coat evenly. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
8
Allow the dish to stand for 5 minutes before slicing into wedges. Serve warm and enjoy the wonderful blend of flavors!
Nutrition Information
23g
Fat
60g
Carbs
24g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Bake?
It is a comforting casserole made with rigatoni pasta, fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese, baked until golden.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of dry, uncooked rigatoni pasta.
Is this pasta bake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How many calories are in this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 533 calories.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How much spinach is needed?
You will need 1 1/2 lbs of fresh spinach with the stems removed.
How long should I blanch the fresh spinach?
Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
What should I do after blanching the spinach?
Immediately transfer it to ice water to stop the cooking, then squeeze out excess moisture and chop it.
What is the purpose of squeezing the spinach?
Squeezing out excess moisture prevents the pasta bake from becoming watery or soggy.
How much ricotta cheese is used?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 lbs of fresh ricotta cheese.
What is the protein content per serving?
This dish provides 24g of protein per serving.
How long should the rigatoni be boiled?
Cook the pasta in boiling salted water for 8-10 minutes until firm-tender.
How many eggs are in the recipe?
There are 4 lightly beaten eggs used to help bind the cheese mixture.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 4-quart baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Generously butter the baking dish to prevent the pasta from sticking.
What herb is used to season the cheese mixture?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill or 1 teaspoon of dried dill.
How much sour cream is required?
You will need 1 1/4 cups of sour cream.
What other cheese is added besides ricotta?
One cup of grated Parmesan cheese is added to the mixture.
How long does the dish bake in the oven?
Bake it for 25-30 minutes.
How do I know when the pasta bake is ready?
It is ready when the top is bubbly and has turned golden brown.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, allow the dish to stand for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
There are 23g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 60g of carbohydrates.
Can I use different spices?
The recipe suggests salt and pepper to taste, along with the fresh dill provided in the instructions.
How do I combine the ingredients?
Mix the chopped spinach, ricotta, sour cream, eggs, Parmesan, and dill in a bowl, then toss with the cooked pasta.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for family meals and gatherings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients listed.
What is the main description of the dish?
It is described as a delightful harmony of cheesy goodness and nutritious greens.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Yes, it works perfectly as a hearty side dish or as a main course.
What tags define this recipe?
Tags include spinach, ricotta, pasta bake, casserole, vegetarian, cheesy, comfort food, and easy recipe.