Save Whipped Ricotta & Spinach Baked Pasta is the perfect blend of creamy richness and vibrant flavor, bringing comfort and elegance to your dinner table. This Italian-inspired dish combines tender pasta with a luscious whipped ricotta mixture and fresh spinach, all topped with a golden, cheesy crust that’s irresistibly inviting. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, it’s both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying.
Save This baked pasta is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of lemon zest and nutmeg in the ricotta mixture adds a bright and warming note that elevates the dish beyond the ordinary. Whether served as a hearty main or a side complement, it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients
- Pasta:
350 g (12 oz) rigatoni or penne
Salt, for boiling water - Ricotta Mixture:
400 g (14 oz) ricotta cheese
60 ml (¼ cup) heavy cream
50 g (½ cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 garlic clove, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Salt, to taste - Spinach:
200 g (7 oz) fresh baby spinach (or thawed, squeezed-dry frozen spinach) - Assembly & Topping:
200 g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
30 g (¼ cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 in) baking dish with a little olive oil.
- 2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 3. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach and sauté for 2–3 minutes, until wilted. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, and chop coarsely if needed.
- 4. In a food processor or large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, heavy cream, 50 g Parmesan, egg, garlic, lemon zest, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Blend or whisk until smooth and creamy.
- 5. In a large bowl, toss together the drained pasta, wilted spinach, and whipped ricotta mixture until evenly coated.
- 6. Transfer half the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella. Add the remaining pasta, then top with the rest of the mozzarella and 30 g Parmesan.
- 7. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown on top.
- 8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a smoother ricotta mixture, blend the ingredients thoroughly until creamy. When cooking the pasta, be mindful not to overcook it since it will bake further in the oven. Using fresh spinach will provide the best flavor and texture, but frozen spinach can be a convenient substitute once properly drained.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Add a pinch of chili flakes or fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor. Kale or Swiss chard can be used instead of spinach according to your preference or availability.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this dish with a crisp green salad and pair it with a dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio for a complete and satisfying meal.
Save This Whipped Ricotta & Spinach Baked Pasta is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a comforting, elegant meal. It’s a versatile recipe that suits both everyday dinners and special occasions, inviting you to savor the joys of homemade Italian cooking.
Kitchen Guide
- → How do I achieve a creamy whipped ricotta texture?
Blend ricotta with heavy cream, Parmesan, egg, garlic, and lemon zest until smooth and fluffy. This creates a silky consistency that coats the pasta evenly.
- → Can I substitute spinach with other greens?
Yes, kale or Swiss chard work well as alternatives. Just sauté them until wilted before mixing with the pasta and ricotta blend.
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Rigatoni or penne are ideal due to their shape, which holds the creamy mixture and melted cheese effectively during baking.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?
Cook pasta 2 minutes less than the package instructions so it remains slightly firm before baking, ensuring the final dish isn’t mushy.
- → What toppings enhance the flavor of this baked dish?
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust. A drizzle of olive oil before baking adds richness and helps browning.