Spinach and Ricotta Baked Pasta Recipe
Overview:
Spinach and Ricotta Baked Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the earthy flavors of spinach, creamy ricotta cheese, and savory Parmesan, baked to golden perfection. It’s a perfect side dish or a satisfying main course for any occasion.
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 lb | rigatoni pasta |
| 1 1/2 lbs | fresh spinach |
| 1 1/2 cups | ricotta cheese |
| 1 1/4 cups | sour cream |
| 4 | eggs |
| 1 cup | grated Parmesan cheese |
| 2 tbsp | fresh dill (or 2 tsp dried dill) |
| to taste | salt and pepper |
Instructions:
-
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter a 4-quart baking dish to prevent sticking.
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the rigatoni pasta in boiling water according to package instructions until firm-tender. Drain well.
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Prepare the Spinach:
- In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the fresh spinach briefly. Be careful not to overcook; blanch just until wilted. Immediately cool the spinach under cold water, then squeeze out excess liquid. Roughly chop the blanched spinach and set aside.
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Mix the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the blanched spinach, ricotta cheese, sour cream, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined and creamy.
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Assemble the Dish:
- Place the cooked rigatoni pasta into the buttered baking dish.
- Spoon the spinach and ricotta mixture over the pasta. Gently toss the pasta with the mixture to evenly coat.
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Bake:
- Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
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Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set slightly.
- Cut into wedges and serve hot. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness of Spinach and Ricotta Baked Pasta!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1092
- Total Fat: 54g
- Saturated Fat: 29.8g
- Cholesterol: 428.2mg
- Sodium: 812.8mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 96.1g
- Dietary Fiber: 7.5g
- Sugar: 6.2g
- Protein: 57.6g
Tips for Success:
- Blanching Spinach: Be careful not to overcook the spinach during blanching. The spinach should be just wilted to retain its vibrant green color and nutrients.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the dish towards the end of baking to ensure the top doesn’t brown too quickly. If needed, you can cover it lightly with foil.
- Variations: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for additional flavor variations.
Serving Suggestions:
This Spinach and Ricotta Baked Pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. It also makes a great accompaniment to grilled chicken or fish for a complete and satisfying meal.
Conclusion:
Spinach and Ricotta Baked Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a main course, its creamy texture and rich flavors will delight everyone. Enjoy the process of preparing this dish and savor every cheesy, spinach-filled bite!
