This Easy Baked Pasta with Creamed Spinach recipe combines elbow noodles with spinach and a creamy garlic cheese mixture. It is topped with irresistible buttery breadcrumbs for a simple baked pasta dish that the whole family will love!
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What is Baked Pasta?
Baked pasta is a simple and delicious dish made by cooking pasta until it's done, mixing it with sauce and other ingredients like cheese, and then baking it in the oven until it's hot and maybe a little crispy. It's a classic comfort food enjoyed by many people. Popular examples include baked ziti, mac and cheese, and lasagna.
Baked Pasta Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Elbow Noodles: A type of short, curved pasta that is shaped like an elbow. They are commonly used in macaroni and cheese and other pasta dishes.
- Frozen Spinach: Spinach that has been frozen and is commonly available in grocery stores. It is a convenient ingredient to use in recipes that call for spinach, as it is already cleaned and chopped.
- Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: A soft, creamy Italian cheese made from whey commonly used in pasta dishes and as a filling for pastries.
- Cream Cheese: A soft, spreadable cheese made from milk and cream. It is commonly used in baking, dips, and spreads.
- Half-and-Half: A dairy product made from equal parts of whole milk and heavy cream. It is commonly used as a creamer for coffee and tea and in recipes requiring a lighter cream than heavy cream.
- Low Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese: A mild, stringy cheese commonly used in pizza, lasagna, and other Italian dishes.
- Garlic: An onion family member with a pungent flavor and aroma. It is commonly used as a seasoning in many dishes.
- Kosher Salt: A coarse-grained salt that is used in cooking and baking. It is named after koshering, which involves removing blood from the meat.
- Black Pepper: A spice made from ground peppercorns commonly used as a seasoning in many dishes.
- Nutmeg: A spice made from the seed of the nutmeg tree. It has a warm, sweet flavor and is commonly used in baked goods and savory dishes.
For the topping:
- Panko Style Bread Crumbs: A Japanese breadcrumb made from white bread without crusts. They are commonly used as a coating for fried foods and topping for casseroles.
- Unsalted Butter: A dairy product made from cream separated from milk. It is commonly used in baking, cooking, and as a spread.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A type of oil made from pressed olives. It is commonly used in cooking and as a salad dressing.
Tools you'll need
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Measuring Cups
How to Make Baked Pasta with Creamed Spinach
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Preheat the oven to 375 °F and set an oven rack in the middle. Lightly oil a 13 x 9 inches baking dish. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta to al dente according to the package instructions. Drain, place the cooked pasta back in the pan, and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the spinach, ricotta, cream cheese, half-and-half, mozzarella cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the spinach mixture to the pasta and stir to combine.
In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs and melted butter until the crumbs are moistened. Carefully pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs on top. Bake until the pasta is bubbling and the top is golden in spots, about 20 to 30 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes, then serve. Enjoy!
Substitutions
- Elbow Noodles: You can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.
- Frozen Spinach: Fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen spinach. You can also use other leafy greens, such as kale or Swiss chard.
- Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: You can use part-skim ricotta or cottage cheese.
- Cream Cheese: Mascarpone cheese or sour cream can be used instead.
- Half-and-Half: You can use heavy cream or milk instead.
- Low Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese: Other types of cheese, such as cheddar, Gouda, or Parmesan, can be used instead.
- Garlic: Garlic powder or minced garlic can be used instead of fresh garlic in a jar.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Canola or vegetable oil can be used instead.
Variations
- Add protein: To make the dish more filling and nutritious, add some cooked chicken, ground beef sausage, or shrimp to the pasta mixture.
- Use different cheese: Instead of mozzarella cheese, you can use other types of cheese, such as cheddar, Gouda, or Parmesan, to add more flavor to the dish.
- Add vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the pasta mixture, such as roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes, to add more color and flavor.
- Use different pasta: Instead of elbow noodles, you can use other types of pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.
- Make it spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the pasta mixture to add heat.
- Make it vegetarian: To make the dish vegetarian, you can omit the meat and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini.
- Use different sauce: Instead of cream cheese and half-and-half, you can use a tomato-based sauce or a pesto sauce to coat the pasta.
How to Serve
- Serve as a main dish: This pasta dish is hearty and filling, so that it can be served as a main course for lunch or dinner. Portion it onto plates and serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Serve as a side dish: You can also serve the pasta as a side dish to accompany a protein, such as grilled chicken or roasted beef. Portion it onto plates and serve it alongside the main dish.
- Serve at a Potluck: This pasta dish is perfect for a potluck or buffet-style gathering, as it can be easily transported and served in a large baking dish. You can also make it and reheat it in the oven before serving.
- Garnish with herbs: To add color and flavor to the dish, you can garnish it with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, before serving.
- Pair with wine: This creamy pasta dish pairs well with various wines, such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, or Merlot.
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: The baked pasta, allow it to cool to room temperature before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Store the pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it properly covered to prevent it from drying out or absorbing unwanted flavors from the refrigerator.
To reheat: You can microwave them by placing a serving on a microwave-safe plate and heating on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, to maintain the dish's texture, you can reheat it in the oven.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the pasta with aluminum foil to prevent further browning, and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until it's heated to your desired temperature. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't overcook. Remember that reheating in the oven might take longer but can help retain the original texture and flavors better than in the microwave.
Make-Ahead
This Baked Pasta with Creamed Spinach recipe can be prepared in advance to save you time on the day of serving. You can assemble the pasta dish ahead of time, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Then, when you're ready to bake the pasta, remove the plastic wrap, add the breadcrumb topping, and bake it in the oven as directed.
How to Freeze
This Easy Baked Pasta with Creamed Spinach recipe is also freezer-friendly, making it a great option for meal prep or when you want to have a batch of pasta on hand for a quick and easy dinner. To freeze the pasta, assemble the dish as directed, but do not bake it. Instead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake the pasta, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Then, remove the plastic wrap and aluminum foil, add the breadcrumb topping, and bake it in the oven as directed. This freezer option is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to have a delicious pasta dish on hand with minimal effort.
Tips for Making The Best Baked Pasta with Creamed Spinach
- Use fresh ingredients: Fish and vegetables for the best taste and texture.
- Don't overcook the fish: Cook it until just done; overcooking can make it dry and tough.
- Cool the filling: Allow it to cool completely before adding it to the batter, preventing the cake from becoming soggy.
- Use a flavorful seasoning: Use a variety of herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the filling. Garlic, oregano, and paprika are great options.
- Use a non-stick pan or lined pan: To prevent the cake from sticking, use a non-stick pan or line the pan with parchment paper.
- Don't overmix the batter: Mix the batter until just combined; overmixing can result in a tough cake.
- Let the cake cool before serving: Allow the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Experiment with different fillings: Try using different types of fish or vegetables to create new and exciting flavors.
FAQ
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
You can use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach. Just thaw and drain the spinach before adding it to the cream sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time and bake it later?
You can make this dish ahead of time and bake it later. Just prepare the pasta and spinach mixture, and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, combine the pasta and spinach mixture, top with cheese, and bake as directed.
What type of pasta should I use?
You can use any pasta you like. Penne, ziti, rigatoni, or fusilli are good options that hold the sauce well.
Can I add meat to this dish?
Add cooked chicken, ground beef, or Italian sausage to the dish. Just brown the meat separately and mix it with the pasta and spinach mixture before baking.
What type of cheese should I use?
You can use any cheese you like. Cheddar, fontina, or provolone are good options that melt well.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
This dish is already vegetarian, as written. However, you can also make it vegan using plant-based cheese and substituting the heavy cream with non-dairy milk and vegan butter or oil.
Related Recipes:
- Creamy Pasta with mushroom and Caramelized Onions
- Tuna Pasta Casserole
- Beef Braciole with Buttered Pasta
- Baked Pasta Creamy Fettucine
- Baked Ziti
Recipe
Baked Pasta with Creamed Spinach
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow noodles , or any pasta of your choice
- 1 (12-oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat)
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 2 cups low moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 2 garlic cloves , finely minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the topping:
- 2 cups plain Panko Style Bread Crumbs
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted or extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 °F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Lightly oil a 13 x 9 inches baking dish.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta to al dente according to the package instructions. Drain, then place the cooked pasta back in the pan and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach, ricotta, cream cheese, half-and-half, mozzarella cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the spinach mixture to the pasta and stir to combine.
- For the topping: In a small bowl, stir to combine the panko bread crumbs and melted butter until the crumbs are moistened. Carefully pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs on top.
- Bake until the pasta is bubbling and the top is golden in spots, about 20 to 30 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes, then serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- To store: The baked pasta, allow it to cool to room temperature before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Store the pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it properly covered to prevent it from drying out or absorbing unwanted flavors from the refrigerator.
- To store: You can microwave them by placing a serving on a microwave-safe plate and heating on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, to maintain the dish's texture, you can reheat it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the pasta with aluminum foil to prevent further browning, and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until it's heated to your desired temperature. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't overcook. Remember that reheating in the oven might take longer but can help retain the original texture and flavors better than in the microwave.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.