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Penne pasta bake with ricotta cheese in a white baking dish with a wooden spoon in it.

Penne Pasta Bake with Ricotta Cheese and Mozzarella


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5 from 1 review

  • Author: Andrea
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This penne pasta bake with ricotta cheese and mozzarella is easy, cheesy, and super comforting. 


Ingredients

Units
  • Ricotta Cheese: 1 cup
  • Egg: 1
  • Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Garlic Clove: 1, minced or finely shredded
  • Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup
  • Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup, chopped
  • Penne: 1 pound
  • Water: 2 cups
  • Marinara: 5 cups (approx. 2 jars) or make your own tomato sauce
  • Frozen Spinach: 2 cups
  • Mozzarella Cheese: 3 and 1/2 cups, shredded

Instructions

  1. Prepare: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees fahrenheit.
  2. Make the Ricotta Mixture: Mix the ricotta and egg in a bowl. Add and mix in the salt, pepper, garlic, parmesan and basil.
  3. Assemble the Pasta Bake: To a 9x13 dish, add and mix the uncooked penne, water, marinara, spinach, and 1 cup of mozzarella together. Spread the ricotta mixture over the pasta (it won't fully cover it) and then evenly sprinkle the remaining 2 and 1/2 cups of mozzarella over the top.
  4. Bake: Bake covered on the middle rack for 30 minutes, and then uncovered for another 10-15 or until the cheese is golden. Serve with parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes as desired.

Notes

Spray the tin foil. If you're using tin foil to cover the pasta while it bakes, spray it with cooking spray so that once the cheese starts to melt, it won't stick to the tin foil.

Tent the tin foil. Another great way to keep the melted cheese from sticking to tin foil if you're using it is to cut a big piece to create a tent/bubble over the pasta bake. It may stick to the cheese if it's too tight and flat.

A large bowl may come in handy. It may be easier to mix the ingredients in a large bowl and then transfer it to the baking dish before topping with cheese and baking it, rather than mixing it all in the baking dish itself.

Nutrition facts are for informational purposes only. We are not responsible for any errors. We have tested the recipe for accuracy, but your results may vary. Please note that this is not medical or nutrition advice. Seek advice from a licensed professional if you need advice. We are not liable for any damages caused by your use of this content.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: casserole, Dinner, Lunch, pasta
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: Italian