Hearty Turkey and Spinach Mostaccioli Bake
Indulge in this wonderfully satisfying Hearty Turkey and Spinach Mostaccioli Bake, a wonderfully rich and flavorful dish that's perfect for family dinners or meal prep. This one-dish meal features tender mostaccioli pasta layered with a savory ground turkey and spinach sauce, all brought together by the creamy goodness of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. Each bite is a delicious blend of herbs and spices, ensuring a comforting experience that's perfect for any occasion. This casserole is substantial and filling, making it an ideal choice for feeding a crowd. If you prefer a saucier consistency, feel free to adjust the amount of crushed tomatoes or add additional sauce to suit your taste. Enjoy this hearty meal straight from the oven to the table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
mostaccioli pasta
16 ounces (uncooked)
ground turkey
1 lb (browned)
minced garlic
1 tablespoon (fresh)
crushed tomatoes
28 ounces (canned)
sage
1 teaspoon (dried)
thyme
1 teaspoon (dried)
basil
1 tablespoon (dried)
chili pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (crushed)
ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
frozen chopped spinach
10 ounces (thawed and drained)
low-fat ricotta cheese
15 ounces (creamy)
low-fat mozzarella cheese
16 ounces (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the mostaccioli according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside.
3
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Once the turkey is no longer pink, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
4
Stir in the crushed tomatoes along with sage, thyme, basil, chili pepper flakes, and ground black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and bubbles.
5
Add the thawed and drained chopped spinach to the sauce and stir until well combined. Let it cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
6
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until well incorporated.
7
In a large 10x15 inch baking dish, combine the cooked mostaccioli with the turkey and spinach sauce. Mix well until the pasta is evenly coated.
8
Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and sauce. Gently spread it out to create an even layer. Top the entire casserole with the remaining shredded mozzarella.
9
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. If you'd like a more browned top, you can turn on the broiler for an additional 1-2 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
10
Once baked, remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and then serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in the Hearty Turkey and Spinach Mostaccioli Bake?
The main protein used in this recipe is one pound of ground turkey.
What type of pasta is required for this dish?
This recipe specifically calls for 16 ounces of mostaccioli pasta.
Can I substitute mostaccioli with another pasta shape?
Yes, you can substitute mostaccioli with similar shapes like penne or ziti if mostaccioli is unavailable.
How should the spinach be prepared before adding it to the sauce?
The frozen chopped spinach should be thawed and thoroughly drained before being stirred into the sauce.
What oven temperature is needed for this bake?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
What size baking dish is recommended?
A large 10x15 inch baking dish is recommended for this casserole.
Which cheeses are used in the ricotta mixture?
The ricotta mixture consists of 15 ounces of low-fat ricotta cheese and half of the 16 ounces of shredded low-fat mozzarella.
How long should I boil the mostaccioli pasta?
Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture.
Should I rinse the pasta after cooking?
Yes, the instructions recommend rinsing the cooked pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process.
What spices are used to season the turkey sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with dried sage, dried thyme, dried basil, chili pepper flakes, and ground black pepper.
Is the garlic used in the recipe fresh or powdered?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of fresh minced garlic.
How do I prevent the cheese from burning during the initial bake?
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes of baking to protect the cheese.
How long does the dish bake uncovered?
After removing the foil, bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
Can I brown the cheese more at the end of cooking?
Yes, you can turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end, but watch it closely to avoid burning.
What kind of tomatoes should I buy for the sauce?
You should use 28 ounces of canned crushed tomatoes.
How can I make the consistency saucier?
You can adjust the amount of crushed tomatoes or add additional pasta sauce to reach your preferred consistency.
When do I add the garlic to the skillet?
Add the minced garlic once the ground turkey is browned and no longer pink, then sauté for one minute.
How is the ricotta mixture applied to the casserole?
Spoon dollops of the ricotta and mozzarella mixture over the pasta and sauce, then gently spread it into an even layer.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is noted as an ideal dish for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
How long should the casserole cool before serving?
Let the dish cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving warm.
Does this recipe use low-fat or full-fat dairy?
The ingredient list specifies low-fat ricotta cheese and low-fat mozzarella cheese.
How much chili pepper flakes are used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of crushed chili pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for dried herbs, you can use fresh; typically, you use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
Do I mix the ricotta into the pasta or layer it?
The ricotta mixture is dolloped and spread over the top of the combined pasta and sauce, rather than mixed in completely.
Is the ground turkey cooked before going into the oven?
Yes, the ground turkey is browned in a skillet with garlic and simmered in sauce before baking.
What provides the 'hearty' texture mentioned in the title?
The combination of mostaccioli pasta, ground turkey, and thick layers of ricotta and mozzarella makes this a substantial meal.
Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?
While the recipe focuses on spinach, you could easily add sautéed onions or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
How many ounces of mozzarella cheese are needed in total?
A total of 16 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese is used in the recipe.
What is the final step before putting the dish in the oven?
The final step is topping the casserole with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and covering it with foil.
Is this dish considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-dish meal because it combines protein, pasta, and vegetables in one casserole.