Tomato Florentine Pasta Bake

Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic Italian-inspired dish with this Tomato Florentine Pasta Bake. This easy and hearty recipe features tender penne pasta smothered in a rich tomato and garlic sauce, layered with fresh spinach for a pop of green goodness. Creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella combine to create an irresistibly cheesy topping, while a sprinkle of Parmesan adds a touch of savory elegance. Ready in just 50 minutes and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, this baked pasta masterpiece is ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Garnish with fresh basil for an extra burst of freshness and serve warm for a meal that’s equal parts wholesome and indulgent. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish will quickly become a family favorite! Keywords: Tomato Florentine Pasta Bake, baked pasta recipe, creamy ricotta, spinach pasta bake, easy weeknight dinner.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 6 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until well mixed.

Step 7

Add the tomato and spinach mixture to the pasta and gently toss to combine.

Step 8

Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Step 9

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and remaining Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Step 12

Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1818.3 grams (1818.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2759

Total Fat 109.90g	141%
Saturated Fat 50.00g	250%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 311mg	104%
Sodium 4645mg	202%
Total Carbohydrate 317.60g	115%
Dietary Fiber 27.50g	98%
Total Sugars 23.90g
Protein 140.60g	281%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2997mg	231%
Iron 25mg	136%
Potassium 2655mg	56%

*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: 35.1%

Protein: 19.9%

Carbs: 45.0%