Best 3 Baked Whole Wheat Pasta With Spinach And Mozzarella Recipes

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Indulge in the delectable flavors of this wholesome and comforting Baked Whole Wheat Pasta with Spinach and Mozzarella. This dish combines the goodness of whole wheat pasta, vibrant spinach, and melted mozzarella cheese. The result is a symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With its easy-to-follow recipe, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.

In addition to the main recipe, this article features a collection of delicious pasta dishes that cater to various dietary needs and preferences. From the classic Creamy Pesto Pasta, bursting with nutty flavors, to the hearty and flavorful Sausage and Bell Pepper Pasta, there's something for everyone. Vegetarian enthusiasts will delight in the vibrant flavors of the Roasted Vegetable Pasta, while those seeking a lighter option can enjoy the refreshing Lemon and Herb Pasta. Each recipe is carefully crafted to ensure a delightful culinary experience.

Let's cook with our recipes!

HERBY CHICKEN AND SPINACH BAKED PASTA WITH FRESH MOZZARELLA



Herby Chicken and Spinach Baked Pasta with Fresh Mozzarella image

Toss fusilli with plenty of fresh parsley, spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken and mozzarella and bake it until golden brown. A shower of fresh parsley at the end adds a fresh touch.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 55m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
One 28-ounce can plum tomatoes, crushed by hand
One 15-ounce can plum tomatoes, crushed by hand
4 large fresh basil sprigs plus 1 cup chopped fresh basil plus more for garnish (optional)
1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 pound dried fusilli
6 cups baby spinach
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, skin and bones discarded
3 cups diced fresh mozzarella
1 cup grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until the garlic is golden, about 2 minutes. Add both cans of the tomatoes and 1 cup of water. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat slightly, add the basil sprigs and simmer rapidly, uncovered, until thickened, 15 to 20 minutes. Discard basil sprigs and stir in the chopped basil and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Cook the fusilli in the salted boiling water until very al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl.
  • Add the tomato sauce, spinach, chicken, half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan to the bowl and stir well to combine. Transfer the pasta to a 3- to 4-quart baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake, uncovered, until browned, about 15 minutes. Let the pasta rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with more chopped basil if using.

WHOLE WHEAT PASTA BAKE



Whole Wheat Pasta Bake image

With a casserole this rich and saucy, it's tempting to skip the crunchy topping and dip a fork straight into the skillet. But as one taster noted: "The bread crumbs on top make this one extra special." -Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups uncooked whole wheat spiral pasta
1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 medium zucchini, chopped
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups half-and-half cream
3/4 pound process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
TOPPING:
1 cup dry whole wheat bread crumbs
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute chicken in 1 tablespoon butter until no longer pink. Remove and keep warm., In the same skillet, saute zucchini and onion in remaining butter. Stir in flour until blended; gradually add cream. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat. Stir in cheese and Italian seasoning until cheese is melted; add chicken., Drain pasta; add to cheese mixture. Transfer to a greased 8-in. square baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, butter, Italian seasoning and salt; sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and topping is golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 849 calories, Fat 50g fat (30g saturated fat), Cholesterol 190mg cholesterol, Sodium 1582mg sodium, Carbohydrate 60g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 39g protein.

WHOLE WHEAT PASTA



Whole Wheat Pasta image

Fresh, healthy and very delish... I sometimes make this the traditional style, and when in a hurry, I throw all the ingredients into my mixer, with the kneading hook.

Provided by Gia

Categories     100+ Pasta and Noodle Recipes     Noodle Recipes

Time 40m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
½ teaspoon sea salt
4 eggs
2 teaspoons olive oil

Steps:

  • Stir together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour and salt in a medium bowl, or on a clean board. Make a hollow in the center, and pour in the olive oil. Break eggs into it one at a time, while mixing quickly with a fork until the dough is wet enough to come together. Knead on a lightly floured surface until the dough is stiff and elastic. Cover, and let stand for 30 minutes to relax.
  • Roll out dough by hand with a rolling pin, or use a pasta machine to achieve the desired thickness of noodles. Cut into desired width and shapes. Allow the pasta to air dry for at least 15 minutes to avoid having it clump together.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 415.7 calories, Carbohydrate 68.8 g, Cholesterol 186 mg, Fat 8.6 g, Fiber 6.8 g, Protein 17.3 g, SaturatedFat 2.1 g, Sodium 293.2 mg, Sugar 0.7 g

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Pasta: For this recipe, whole wheat pasta is recommended for its nutritional value and texture. If you prefer a different type of pasta, ensure it can hold the sauce and toppings well.
  • Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, aiming for an al dente texture. This will prevent it from becoming mushy when baked.
  • Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a vibrant color and flavor to the dish. If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the recipe.
  • Season Generously: Don't be afraid to season the dish well. Use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to enhance the flavors.
  • Use High-Quality Cheese: Freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses provide a rich and creamy texture. Avoid pre-shredded cheeses, as they often contain additives and don't melt as well.
  • Don't Overbake: Bake the pasta just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Overbaking can dry out the pasta and make it less enjoyable.

Conclusion:

This baked whole wheat pasta with spinach and mozzarella is a delicious and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish. It's packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. The combination of spinach, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses creates a creamy and flavorful sauce that complements the whole wheat pasta perfectly. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is a great option for busy weeknights or when you're looking for a comforting and satisfying meal.

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