Spinach and Cheese Pasta Bake

It only takes 30 minutes for this comforting cheesy pasta bake to hit the table.

I love the idea of making stuffed pastas like cannelloni or jumbo shells when I have time but, let’s face it, sometimes you need something quicker and less fussy! This Spinach and Cheese Pasta Bake is my go-to for when I want those same cheesy, comforting pasta flavours but with a lot less effort. This vegetarian family meal is made with simple, low-cost ingredients. After just 5 minutes of prep, the oven does the rest of the work and in 30 minutes you will have the most glorious-looking, crispy-topped bake ready to eat.

With a lemony, garlicky filling made from three cheeses and spinach that’s tossed through pasta, then sandwiched between rich tomato pasta sauce and pesto, Spinach and Cheese Pasta Bake is the ultimate cosy family meal.

Cheese-lovers take note – this bake is filled with a lemony, garlicky three-cheese (ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan) and spinach mixture, tossed through pasta, then sandwiched between tomato pasta sauce and pesto. It’s also freezer-friendly, so it can be made ahead for those busy nights!

Although it is a vegetarian recipe, I have made suggestions for adding chicken or ham for those who want that option. And, of course, you can up the vegetable content and I’ve also provided ideas for this too. With its gorgeous flavours as well as versatility, this is definitely one to consider adding to your regular family meal rotation!

Although this is a vegetarian recipe, you could add chicken or ham to the bake if you like.

Can I add extra vegetables to the bake?

Definitely! You can add vegetables like mushrooms, roasted zucchini (courgettes), frozen peas or lightly steamed broccoli to the pasta mixture – if you have fussy eaters who avoid their greens, grate the broccoli into the bake. Add up to 2 cups of vegetables of choice.

Can I add meat?

If you want to add meat to the recipe, try adding shredded cooked chicken or diced ham. You can add these directly into the pasta mixture. See the full recipe for quantities and details.

Topped with a parmesan-laden crispy golden crust, this Spinach and Cheese Pasta Bake is filled with a delicious mix of pasta, three-cheeses, spinach, pesto and rich tomato sauce.

What else can I serve with the bake?

Try some simple steamed vegetables (like carrot, cauliflower or broccoli), a green leafy salad, garlic bread or roasted vegetables (like zucchini/courgette, eggplant/aubergine or capsicum/bell pepper).

Although this is a vegetarian recipe, you could add chicken or ham to the bake if you like.