Spinach-Spaghetti Bake
A cheesy, spinach-packed spaghetti bake with rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinners or gatherings craving comfort food with a nutritious twist.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. thin spaghetti ⓘ
- 10 oz. chopped spinach, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 15 oz. Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 27.5 oz. jar spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 12 oz. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti as directed on the package; drain.
- Combine thawed and drained chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, sliced green onions, pepper, and ground nutmeg in a medium bowl.
- Place half of the spaghetti in a 12 x 8 1/2-inch baking dish.
- Spoon half of the spinach mixture over the spaghetti.
- Sprinkle with half of the shredded Mozzarella cheese.
- Top with the remaining spaghetti mixture.
- Cover and bake for 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Uncover, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider mixing in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese with the ricotta. You can substitute the spinach with other greens like kale or Swiss chard. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes to the spinach mixture. This dish can also be made ahead of time and frozen, making it a great option for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spinach-Spaghetti Bake with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Tiramisu (Light) for dessert. This dish also makes a wonderful potluck item or family gathering centerpiece, as it's both hearty and satisfying.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach-Spaghetti Bake contains roughly 413 calories, with 19g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (148% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (106% of the Daily Value), and calcium (95% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 30g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat spaghetti instead of thin spaghetti?
Yes, whole wheat spaghetti can be used as a healthier alternative. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as whole wheat pasta may take a bit longer to cook.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly due to the use of ricotta and spinach. You can enhance it by adding more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the Spinach-Spaghetti Bake a day ahead. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).