There’s something magical about the aroma of Baked Ziti with Spinach wafting through the house, isn’t there? The rich, cheesy goodness, combined with the delightful hint of spinach, creates an irresistible invitation to gather around the dinner table. It’s like a warm hug in food form!
Picture this: a cozy family gathering where everyone dives into a bubbling dish of ziti, cheese stretching with every forkful. You can almost hear the mmm’s and ahh’s of delight as each bite takes your taste buds on a joyous ride. This recipe is perfect for any occasion – from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings that require some serious comfort food.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Baked Ziti with Spinach is simple to make and packed with flavor; it will quickly become a family favorite
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests or cheering up a weeknight meal
- You can easily customize it to suit your dietary preferences, making it versatile enough for everyone
I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends during a movie night—everyone was raving about how delicious it was!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ziti Pasta: This tubular pasta holds onto the sauce beautifully; choose whole wheat for added nutrition.
Fresh Spinach: Opt for vibrant green leaves; they add nutrients and a pop of color to your dish.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce for robust flavor; it’s the heart of this dish.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and dreamy, ricotta gives that luscious texture; look for whole milk ricotta for extra richness.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The gooier, the better! Fresh mozzarella works wonders if you want to take it up a notch.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle adds a salty kick; use freshly grated for maximum flavor impact.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with aromatic goodness; crushed or minced will do nicely.
Olive Oil: A splash helps sauté the spinach and garlic; choose extra virgin for superior taste.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all flavors; adjust to your personal taste preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water in a large pot over high heat. Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Sauté Spinach and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in minced garlic and fresh spinach, cooking until wilted and fragrant.
Create the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with salt and pepper. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella for an extra cheesy surprise.
Assemble Your Dish: In a large baking dish, layer half of the marinara sauce at the bottom. Add ziti followed by sautéed spinach and cheese mixture. Top with remaining marinara sauce.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Feel free to get generous here; we want that cheesy crust!
Bake Until Golden: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Enjoy that delightful aroma filling your kitchen!
Baked Ziti with Spinach brings comfort food into your home effortlessly. Each layer sings harmoniously together—a celebration of flavors that will have you going back for seconds (and maybe thirds). Plus, it’s so easy to whip up on busy nights or special occasions!
You Must Know
- Baked Ziti with Spinach combines cheesy goodness with vibrant greens, making it not just a meal but an experience
- The aroma fills your kitchen while it bakes, setting the stage for unforgettable family dinners that leave everyone smiling
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta until al dente, then prepare the spinach and sauce simultaneously for efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ricotta for cottage cheese or add mushrooms and bell peppers for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat at 350°F until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Baked Ziti with Spinach turns out perfectly every time, remember these key insights
- Use fresh spinach for a vibrant flavor, and don’t skimp on cheese—it’s essential!
- Also, let it rest before serving to enhance flavors and texture
Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of my cousin’s wedding where I made Baked Ziti with Spinach for the first time. Everyone raved about it!
FAQ
Can I make Baked Ziti with Spinach ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it a day before and store it in the fridge.
What type of cheese works best?
A mix of mozzarella and ricotta gives the best creamy texture and flavor.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply omit any meat and load up on additional veggies for great taste.
Baked Ziti with Spinach
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Baked Ziti with Spinach is a comforting, cheesy delight that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. This one-dish meal features ziti pasta layered with fresh spinach, marinara sauce, and a blend of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, all baked to perfection. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings, bringing everyone together around the table. Plus, it offers the flexibility to customize with your favorite veggies or cheeses!
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and fresh spinach; sauté until the spinach is wilted.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with salt and pepper; stir in half of the mozzarella cheese.
- In a large baking dish, layer half of the marinara sauce, followed by ziti, sautéed spinach, and the ricotta mixture. Top with remaining marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: For added flavor, incorporate mushrooms or bell peppers into the spinach mix. You can prepare this dish ahead of time; simply assemble it and refrigerate before baking.