Description
This easy pasta bake is a comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring fresh spinach and ricotta tortellini, Neapolitan pasta sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it’s baked until golden and bubbling, and served with a crisp mixed salad for a well-rounded dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Bake
- 500g tub Neapolitan pasta sauce (from the chiller cabinet)
- a good handful of fresh basil leaves
- 250g packet fresh stuffed spinach and ricotta tortellini
- 100g packet mozzarella, sliced
- 2 tbsp grated fresh parmesan
- 1 tbsp pine nuts
To Serve
- Mixed salad leaves
Instructions
- Assemble the Sauce: Preheat the oven to 180°C (gas mark 4, fan 160°C). In a large bowl, pour the Neapolitan pasta sauce and thin it out with 100ml (3½ fl oz) of water. Add the fresh basil leaves and fresh stuffed spinach and ricotta tortellini. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then stir everything well to combine the flavors.
- Layer the Pasta Bake: Divide half of the pasta mixture evenly into two individual gratin dishes or one large baking dish. Tear half of the sliced mozzarella and scatter it over the pasta layer. Then, spoon the remaining pasta and sauce mixture on top, gently pressing the tortellini down so they remain mostly covered by the sauce. Tear the remaining mozzarella slices and scatter on top, followed by sprinkling the grated parmesan and pine nuts evenly over the surface.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the dishes on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The bake should turn golden brown and bubbly on top when ready.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot with a side of fresh mixed salad leaves for a complete and balanced meal.
Notes
- Use fresh tortellini for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before baking.
- You can substitute pine nuts with walnuts or omit if preferred.
- For a creamier bake, add a drizzle of cream or béchamel sauce before the final cheese layer.
- This dish can be prepared in larger quantities and reheated well for next-day meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: pasta bake, tortellini bake, Neapolitan sauce, spinach ricotta tortellini, easy pasta dinner, baked pasta recipe
