Description
This Baked Ziti with Spinach is a comforting and cheesy Italian-American casserole featuring tender ziti pasta, fresh spinach, and a blend of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses baked to golden perfection with marinara sauce. A perfect weeknight dinner that combines hearty flavors with a touch of greens.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Cheeses
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Sauce and Seasonings
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature by the time the dish is assembled.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, blend the ricotta cheese with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful base.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, fresh spinach, and marinara sauce to the ricotta mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors and spinach.
- Layer the Dish: In a baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheeses evenly on top.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining pasta mixture followed by the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, building a second even layer of flavors and cheeses.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to heat through.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top for a perfect crust.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add sautéed onions or garlic to the ricotta mixture.
- Fresh spinach can be replaced with frozen spinach, just be sure to drain well before mixing.
- Use whole milk ricotta and whole mozzarella for a richer dish or part-skim for a lighter option.
- Feel free to add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef for a meat variation.
- This dish freezes well; assemble and freeze before baking for a convenient ready-to-go meal.
