Italian Pasta Casserole Recipe 

ricotta cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: cream cheese

Cottage cheese is lower in fat and calories while still providing creaminess.

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: provolone

Part-skim mozzarella reduces fat without sacrificing flavor.

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grana padano

Nutritional yeast is a dairy-free option, while grana padano is a more affordable cheese.

Start by placing a whole thing of pasta onto a bed of spinach.

Evenly spread mozzarella cheese over the pasta.

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil all over the dish.

Add fresh pepper and salt to taste, noting that you can always add more salt later.

Use a garlic press to squeeze fresh garlic onto the dish.

Sprinkle fresh basil over the ingredients.

Add a good amount of organic fresh oregano to taste.

Dump two glasses of cherry tomatoes onto the dish and spread them out evenly with your hands.

Cover the dish with a healthy amount of tomato puree, ensuring it is completely covered.

Take a scoop of ricotta cheese and evenly spread it out over the dish.

Pour about 1 cup of water into the dish.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 minutes.

After 40 minutes, use tongs to mix the spaghetti and combine all the ingredients together.

Let the dish cool off a little before serving.

Serve a portion and add some of the tomatoes on top.

Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens