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Spinach and Ricotta Macaroni Cheesecake

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Spinach and Ricotta Macaroni Cheesecake
  • Prep 45 min
  • Total 2 hr 10 min
  • Servings 8
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Filled with a creamy combination of spinach and ricotta, and easier to make than you think, this baked pasta cake is begging to be the star of your next dinner party.
by: Tablespoon Kitchens
Updated Sep 20, 2016

Ingredients

  • 1 lb uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 package (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained and squeezed dry
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (2 oz)
  • 6 eggs
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 jar (25.5 oz) Muir Glen™ organic tomato basil pasta sauce
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 16 frozen cooked meatballs

Steps

  • 1
    Heat oven to 325°F. Spray 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Wrap outside bottom and side of pan with foil to prevent leaking.
  • 2
    Cook and drain macaroni as directed on package.
  • 3
    Meanwhile, in medium bowl, mix spinach, ricotta cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, 1 egg, 1 clove garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and the pepper.
  • 4
    In large bowl, mix macaroni, 1 1/2 cups of the pasta sauce, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, remaining 2 cloves garlic and remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt. In small bowl, lightly beat remaining 5 eggs, and stir into macaroni mixture.
  • 5
    Place one-third of the macaroni mixture in bottom of pan. Gently spread ricotta filling in middle of macaroni mixture, leaving 1-inch border around edge. Spoon remaining macaroni mixture around edges and on top of ricotta filling. Ricotta filling should be completely enclosed by macaroni mixture.
  • 6
    Bake until firm to the touch and top is golden brown, about 1 hour and 5 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes (at least 165°F). Place on cooling rack; let stand 5 minutes. Run thin knife around edge to loosen. Remove side of springform pan. Let cool 15 minutes.
  • 7
    Meanwhile, heat meatballs as directed on package. Heat remaining sauce in 3-quart saucepan. Add 1/2 cup of the heated pasta sauce to meatballs; toss to coat.
  • 8
    Just before serving, transfer baked macaroni to serving platter; place heated meatballs around top edge. Spoon remaining sauce in middle of top of “cheesecake.” Sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese over top of “cheesecake.” Cut in slices to serve with more Parmesan cheese on the side, if desired.

Expert Tips

  • tip 1
    Any Muir Glen™ pasta sauce will work well in this recipe.
  • tip 2
    Letting the “cheesecake” stand for 15 minutes before serving allows the pasta and eggs to set firmly enough to provide the necessary structure for this dish.

Nutrition Information

650 Calories, 26g Total Fat, 37g Protein, 66g Total Carbohydrate, 9g Sugars

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories
650
Calories from Fat
240
Total Fat
26g
40%
Saturated Fat
12g
60%
Trans Fat
1/2g
Cholesterol
235mg
79%
Sodium
1420mg
59%
Potassium
440mg
12%
Total Carbohydrate
66g
22%
Dietary Fiber
5g
23%
Sugars
9g
Protein
37g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
80%
80%
Vitamin C
4%
4%
Calcium
40%
40%
Iron
30%
30%
Exchanges:
2 1/2 Starch; 0 Fruit; 1 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 1/2 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 2 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 2 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choice
4 1/2
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
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