Imagine diving into a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that's not only incredibly delicious but also lighter and more nutritious than traditional recipes. This Lightened Tomato Ricotta Pasta Bake is your ticket to a guilt-free comfort meal that combines the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with a health-conscious approach. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your family and friends with a mouthwatering dish that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended and seasonings are evenly distributed.
- In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Layer the cooked pasta evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spread the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta, ensuring an even coverage.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the ricotta layer, covering the pasta completely.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the top of the sauce.
- Finish by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella layer.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrition, but cook it just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture.
- Choose a high-quality marinara sauce or make your own for the best taste. Homemade sauce can elevate the entire dish.
- Let the pasta bake rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set and make serving easier.
- For a crispy top, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- If you want to add more vegetables, try mixing some spinach or roasted zucchini into the ricotta layer.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
