Ingredients
Scale
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to culinary success. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this comforting dish to life:
- 12 ounces of penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
If you’re out of ricotta, cottage cheese is a great substitute. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of nutmeg can add a warm, nutty flavor to the ricotta mixture.
Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to create a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your home.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta and Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked pasta and mix until evenly coated.
- In a large baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture. Spread half of the tomato-spinach sauce over the pasta, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the smiles and satisfaction from your family as they dig into this comforting meal!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International