Baked Ricotta Penne Pasta Recipe | Home Cooking | The Sweetest Journey

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 content while maintaining texture.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grana padano

Nutritional yeast is a dairy-free alternative with a similar flavor.

egg

🥗Healthier: flaxseed meal

💰Cheaper: silken tofu

Flaxseed meal provides binding properties without cholesterol.

Cook the pasta according to package instructions, removing from heat 1-2 minutes before done. Reserve 1/2 cup of cooking water and drain the rest. Set pasta aside.

In a large bowl, combine the Ricotta, Parmesan, Muenster, black pepper, salt, and spinach. If the mixture is too dry, add one tablespoon of the cooking water to make the mixture creamier. Add the cooked pasta and stir to combine well.

In a bowl, combine the tomato puree, Italian seasoning, onion and garlic powder, crushed red pepper, minced garlic, sugar, salt, and olive oil. Stir until well combined.

Spoon the pasta mixture into a baking dish. Top with the sauce and spread out evenly. Top with more shredded cheese. Cover loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350F for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake another 10 minutes.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens