Spinach Pasta Surprise #BundtBakers

This month's Bundt theme was chosen by Colleen of Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice.  Colleen chose Untraditional Bundts.  If you know Colleen, this does not surprise you at all.  Colleen is pretty untraditional herself.  Give yourself a treat and go read some of her blog posts.  I promise that she will make you laugh.

I originally wanted to do a red white and blue jello bundt that I could serve up for Independence Day but our fearless leader, Stacy of Food Lust People Love said that while she would allow untraditional Bundts they must still be baked.  Hmmmm....that made this challenge a little more....well .....
challenging.

I started considering all of the things that I bake, other than cakes, that would work in a Bundt pan.  I considered meatloaf and was planning on going with that when it occurred to me that I had a baked pasta on the menu for Meatless Monday and it could easily be converted to be baked in a Bundt pan instead of casserole.

I started out by making a simple marinara sauce.  You could always use store bought if you want but this is such an easy peasy recipe that it doesn't take much longer than opening a jar of premade.

This dish has all the flavors of lasagna, incorporating eggs, ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan along with spinach in a creamy sauce.

Stir in a pound of cooked pasta.  Any kind will do.  I used penne pasta because it was what I had on hand.

Turn it into a Bundt pan that has been liberally treated with cooking spray and bake until set and golden brown.

Let it sit in the pan for about 15 minutes before trying to remove it onto a platter.  Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cheese sauce from the sides.  Flip it over onto a rimmed platter or shallow bowl and pray for the best.

Breathe a sigh of relief along with all of the wonderful aromas. The Bundt is now ready for the "frosting".

Heat up the sauce, pour it over the Bundt and listen to the family ooohhh and ahhhh as you bring it to the table.  This is a cheesy, ooey, gooey pasta bake in a fun presentation.  Cut into slices and serve, passing extra sauce for people to add as desired. Enjoy.

You will find links to all the other Untraditional Bundts following this recipe.  I can't wait to see what the others created for this fun challenge.

Spinach Pasta Surprise

3 T. olive oil

1 sweet onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (28 oz) can tomatoes 

2 t. Italian Herb Blend

pinch of red pepper flakes

salt and pepper to taste

1 lb pasta, cooked per package directions

4 eggs

1 (15 oz) carton ricotta cheese

1 1/2 c. half and half

1 (8 oz) pkg. frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

1 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese

1 c. shredded Parmesan cheese

1 T. dried basil, crushed

salt and pepper to taste

Heat the olive oil in a dutch oven over med high heat.  Add the onions and garlic and cook until softened and fragrant.  Add the tomatoes with their juices, Italian herbs, salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil, breaking the tomatoes into pieces with a wooden spoon.  Reduce heat and simmer until thickened, 45 minutes to an hour.  Set aside.

Whisk together the eggs, ricotta, cream, spinach, mozzarella, parmesan, basil, salt and pepper.  Fold in the pasta until well coated.  Pour into a Bundt Pan that has been liberally treated with cooking spray.

Bake in a preheated 350* oven for about an hour, until set and golden brown around the edges. Cool, in the pan, on a wire rack for 15 minutes.  Run a knife around the edges and turn out onto a rimmed platter or shallow bowl.

Reheat the sauce and pour some over the bundt to resemble a frosting glaze.  Cut into slices to serve passing the remaining sauce to be added as desired. Print Recipe

More Untraditional Bundts

• Bacon, Zucchini, Raisins and Cheddar Bundt Cake from I Love Bundt Cakes
• Cheesesteak Bundt from Cookaholic Wife
• Cherry Bundt Breakfast Danish from Faith, Hope, Love & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
• Chicken Fajita Bundt Cake from Sew You Think You Can Cook
• Chive Potato Filled Cheeseburger Meatloaf Bundt from Food Lust People Love
• Classic Vanilla Flan Bundt from All That's Left Are The Crumbs
• Pasta Chicken Bundt from Sneha's Recipe
• Soap Bundt Cake from La Mejor Manera
• Spinach Pasta Surprise from A Day in the Life on the Farm

 #BundtBakers is a group of Bundt loving bakers who get together once a month to bake Bundts with a common ingredient or theme. We take turns hosting each month and choosing the theme or ingredient.

You can see all our of lovely Bundts by following our Pinterest board. Updated links for all of our past events and more information about #BundtBakers, can be found on our home page.