If you're craving a comforting Italian dish that combines the heartiness of pasta with the freshness of spinach, look no further than this Baked Ziti with Spinach! This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a delightful way to sneak in some greens. With layers of gooey mozzarella, creamy ricotta, and zesty marinara, each bite is a warm hug for your taste buds. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, taking just 45 minutes from start to finish! Ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. The pasta should be firm but not hard.
- While the pasta is cooking, wash the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly and roughly chop them into smaller pieces. Set aside.
- Drain the cooked pasta in a colander, shaking off excess water. Return the pasta to the pot.
- Add marinara sauce to the pasta, stirring gently to coat the ziti evenly. Mix in the ricotta cheese and chopped spinach, combining all ingredients thoroughly.
- Season the pasta mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the layer.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, creating a second layer. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn't touch the cheese. This prevents the cheese from burning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the ziti rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh basil or additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Pair with a fresh green salad or garlic bread.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Be sure to cook the ziti pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This ensures your pasta retains its texture and doesn’t become mushy.
- Spinach Prep: Fresh spinach can wilt down significantly, so don’t be shy with the amount! Roughly chop it to mix evenly throughout the dish for bursts of flavor.
- Layering is Key: For an extra cheesy experience, make sure to evenly distribute the mozzarella and Parmesan layers. This will create that irresistible cheesy crust on top.
- Foil Trick: When covering the dish with foil, avoid letting it touch the cheese. This prevents the cheese from sticking and burning during baking.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the baked ziti to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve without falling apart.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your baked ziti with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
