Ever have one of those days where you open the fridge and just stare, wondering what to make? I was there last week, feeling completely drained after a long day. I had some pasta, a tub of ricotta, and a sad bag of wilted spinach that I thought I’d need to toss. But instead of giving in and ordering takeout, I decided to get a little creative.
I threw everything together, kind of just hoping for the best. You know, I forgot to add garlic and onion, which usually gives it a nice kick. But, surprisingly, it turned out amazing! The creamy ricotta mixed with the cheesy goodness had me scooping seconds right away.
It’s a simple, comforting dish that can be made in one pan. Less mess, less fuss. And you can totally make it your own by adding whatever leftovers you have. I can’t tell you how good it felt to whip up something so satisfying in under 30 minutes. You’re going to want to make this tonight!
Ingredients
8 ounces of pasta (penne or rigatoni works great).
1 cup ricotta cheese.
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
Salt and pepper to taste.
1 tablespoon olive oil.
1/2 cup marinara sauce.
Optional: red pepper flakes for a kick.
How to Make It
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, ricotta, spinach, half of the mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and marinara sauce.
Add salt and pepper to taste, then stir until everything is well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve
Serve it hot, straight from the dish. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, and the leftovers are just as good the next day!
