Spinach and Ricotta Macaroni Cheesecake

Name: Spinach and Ricotta Macaroni Cheesecake
Prep time: 45 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Yield: 8
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

46 Ratings

46 Reviews

Kitchen Tested

Prep 45 min
Total 2 hr 10 min
Servings 8

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. MORE+ LESS-

By Tablespoon Kitchens

Updated September 20, 2016

Ingredients

lb uncooked elbow macaroni

package (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained and squeezed dry

cup whole milk ricotta cheese

oz cream cheese, softened

1/2

cup shredded mozzarella cheese (2 oz)

eggs

cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 1/4

teaspoons salt

1/4

teaspoon pepper

jar (25.5 oz) Muir Glen™ organic tomato basil pasta sauce

1/2

cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

frozen cooked meatballs

Steps

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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.

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Expert Tips

Any Muir Glen™ pasta sauce will work well in this recipe.
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

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving

Calories: 650
Calories from Fat: 240

% Daily Value

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;