Florentine Pasta Bake

Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Florentine Pasta Bake, a comforting dish packed with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Tender penne pasta is perfectly coated in a luscious sauce made from ricotta, cream cheese, and Parmesan, then combined with vibrant sautéed spinach for a pop of freshness. Topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella, this golden-baked masterpiece is seasoned with a hint of garlic, Italian herbs, and a touch of red pepper for a subtle kick. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy pasta bake is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Serve it hot, straight from the oven, and watch as it becomes a family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 5 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1.5 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and whole milk. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 6

Stir in the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Add the sautéed spinach and cooked pasta to the bowl, and mix until fully combined and evenly coated.

Step 7

Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 8

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the edges are lightly golden.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 11

Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1566.9 grams (1566.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3551

Total Fat 183.80g	236%
Saturated Fat 95.80g	479%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.00g
Cholesterol 561mg	187%
Sodium 6127mg	266%
Total Carbohydrate 305.60g	111%
Dietary Fiber 17.20g	61%
Total Sugars 22.30g
Protein 182.50g	365%

Vitamin D 161IU	805%
Calcium 4237mg	326%
Iron 19mg	106%
Potassium 1658mg	35%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.9%

Protein: 20.2%

Carbs: 33.9%