Layered Ramen Noodle Bake

This Italian Fusion dinner recipe combines authentic flavors with modern cooking techniques. Ready in 55 minutes, serves 6 people. Serve hot squares garnished with fresh chopped basil. Pair with a side of roasted garlic asparagus or a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to …

Cuisine: Italian Fusion Type: Dinner Time: 55 min Servings: 6 Calories: 548 per serving
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Nutrition Information

Each serving contains approximately 548 calories and 38.0g of protein. Macronutrients include 54.0g carbohydrates and 20.0g fats per serving.

Per Serving

Calories
548
Protein
38.0g
Carbohydrates
54.0g
Fats
20.0g

Total

Calories
3288
Protein
228.0g
Carbohydrates
324.0g
Fats
120.0g

Ingredients

This recipe requires 12 ingredients. All ingredients are commonly available at grocery stores.

  • 1.0 lb Lean ground turkey (93% lean)
    browned and crumbled
  • 10.0 oz Organic brown rice ramen noodles
    whole grain, uncooked cakes
  • 24.0 fl oz Low-sodium marinara sauce
    no sugar added
  • 1.0 cup Low-fat cottage cheese
    blended until smooth
  • 1.0 cup Part-skim ricotta cheese
    mixed with cottage cheese
  • 5.0 oz Fresh baby spinach
    roughly chopped
  • 1.5 cup Part-skim mozzarella cheese
    shredded
  • 1.0 whole Yellow onion
    finely diced
  • 3.0 clove Garlic
    minced
  • 1.0 tbsp Italian seasoning
    dried herb blend
  • 1.0 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
    for sautéing
  • 0.5 cup Fresh basil
    chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Follow these 6 steps to prepare this dish. Each step includes detailed instructions for best results.

1. Kitchen Setup and Equipment Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and ensure one rack is in the center position
  2. Fill a large pot with water for the ramen noodles and place on high heat to bring to a boil
  3. Lightly coat a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with non-stick spray or a small amount of olive oil
  4. Set out a large skillet for the sauce, a blender for the cottage cheese, and a medium mixing bowl

2. Mise en Place: Vegetable and Cheese Prep

  1. Finely dice 1 yellow onion and mince 3 garlic cloves
  2. Roughly chop 5 oz (140 g) of fresh baby spinach
  3. Blend 1 cup (240 ml) low-fat cottage cheese in a blender until completely smooth and creamy
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the smoothed cottage cheese with 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese and mix until uniform
  5. Measure out 1.5 cups (360 ml) shredded mozzarella, 24 fl oz (720 ml) marinara sauce, and 1 tbsp (15 ml) Italian seasoning
  6. Chop 0.5 cup (120 ml) fresh basil for garnish and set aside

3. Noodle Par-Cooking

  1. Add 10 oz (280 g) organic brown rice ramen cakes to the boiling water
  2. Boil for exactly 2 minutes just to soften and separate the noodles (do not fully cook)
  3. Drain noodles thoroughly in a colander and rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking

4. Meat Sauce Production

  1. Heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil in the large skillet over medium-high heat
  2. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent
  3. Add 1 lb (454 g) lean ground turkey and minced garlic; cook until turkey is browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula
  4. Stir in 1 tbsp (15 ml) Italian seasoning and 24 fl oz (720 ml) marinara sauce; reduce heat to low
  5. Stir in the chopped spinach and simmer until wilted (about 1-2 minutes), then remove from heat

5. Layer Construction

  1. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce (about 1/3) on the bottom of the prepared baking dish
  2. Arrange half of the par-cooked ramen noodles evenly over the sauce
  3. Spread the entire cottage cheese/ricotta mixture over the noodles
  4. Layer the remaining ramen noodles, followed by the remaining meat sauce
  5. Top evenly with 1.5 cups (360 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese

6. Baking and Resting

  1. Place dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered until cheese is bubbly and golden brown
  2. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes to set the layers before cutting

Plating

  1. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 to 15 minutes after removing it from the oven; this allows the internal layers to set, ensuring the square portion holds its shape when sliced.
  2. Use a sharp knife to cut defined square portions, then use a sturdy offset spatula to lift a piece and place it in the center of a warmed dinner plate, keeping the layers intact.
  3. Scatter the fresh chopped basil generously over the melted mozzarella top to provide a vibrant green contrast against the golden-brown cheese and red sauce.
  4. Drizzle a very small amount of extra virgin olive oil over the basil if desired for a glossy finish, and wipe the rim of the plate with a clean cloth to remove any stray sauce or crumbs.

Family Beverage

Sparkling water with cucumber and mint, Iced herbal tea with lemon slices

Alcohol Beverage

Light Chianti, Crisp Pinot Grigio, Dry Rosé

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot squares garnished with fresh chopped basil. Pair with a side of roasted garlic asparagus or a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

Notes

Using organic brown rice or whole grain ramen cakes significantly increases the fiber content compared to traditional instant noodles. Lean ground turkey offers a high-protein, low-saturated-fat alternative to heavy sausage. Blending cottage cheese with part-skim ricotta creates a creamy, protein-packed layer while reducing caloric density.

Storage

Allow the baked dish to cool completely at room temperature, ensuring it sits out for no longer than two hours to maintain food safety. Transfer leftovers into an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezing

For long-term storage, portion the cooled bake into individual freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish tightly with a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator to ensure the ramen noodles and cheese layers retain their texture upon reheating.

Dietary Information

Allergen information: This recipe contains or may contain the following allergens: milk, dairy, wheat, gluten, eggs, nightshade. Always check ingredient labels if you have severe allergies.

Dietary considerations: Consult the nutrition information above for detailed macronutrient breakdown. This recipe can be modified to accommodate various dietary preferences.

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