There’s something magical about the aroma of Baked Ziti with Spinach wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? Picture this: a bubbling casserole dish filled with cheesy goodness, tomatoes dancing with herbs, and vibrant green spinach peeking through like it just joined the party. garlic butter chicken for family dinners Italian meatloaf for a hearty meal Each bite is a warm hug for your taste buds, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in when you just want to indulge.
This dish has a special place in my heart, reminding me of my aunt’s Sunday dinners where laughter and delicious food were abundant. The fun of gathering around the table, digging into this hearty comfort food, and sharing stories made every moment memorable. zucchini rolls as a side dish Whether it’s a chilly evening or a festive celebration, Baked Ziti with Spinach never fails to deliver joy and satisfaction. For more inspiration, check out this Green Chile Macaroni Delight recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that combines convenience and flavor effortlessly
- You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions
- Its rich colors and mouthwatering aroma will impress anyone at your dinner table
- Perfect for family gatherings or as an easy weeknight meal
I remember the first time I made Baked Ziti with Spinach; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was! buttery croissant broodjes for brunch.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ziti Pasta: Opt for medium shells or traditional ziti; both hold sauce beautifully. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta recipe.
- Fresh Spinach: Tender baby spinach adds nutrients and a pop of green; feel free to substitute frozen if needed.
- Marinara Sauce: A good quality marinara serves as the flavorful base; homemade or store-bought works well.
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta adds richness; look for whole-milk varieties for extra creaminess.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella for a melty pull or pre-shredded for convenience.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan on top provides a savory finish; don’t skimp here!
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil and oregano enhances the flavors beautifully; fresh herbs can also be used.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic gives depth to the sauce; always try to use fresh over powdered.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds richness to your dish; choose high-quality for best results.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances all flavors; adjust according to your taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven : Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking when you pop in that glorious ziti.
Cook the Pasta : Boil water in a large pot and cook ziti until al dente. Drain it well but do not rinse—those starchy noodles need to cling onto that sauce!
Sauté Garlic and Spinach : In a skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then toss in fresh spinach until wilted—about 3 minutes should do the trick.
Mix Cheeses and Marinara : In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and marinara sauce. Stir until creamy goodness emerges.
Add Pasta to Mixture : Fold in your cooked ziti with the cheesy mixture. Make sure every noodle is coated in that luscious sauce—it’s like giving each piece of pasta a warm embrace!
Layer It Up : In a baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture then sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Top with leftover pasta mixture and finish off with more cheese—because who doesn’t love extra cheese?
Bake Until Golden Brown : Cover with foil (to prevent burning) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown—trust me; this is where magic happens!
Now you’re ready to dig into this comforting plate of Baked Ziti with Spinach! Serve hot alongside a crisp salad or some garlic bread for an unforgettable meal. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
You Must Know
- Baked Ziti with Spinach is not just a meal; it’s a comfort food hug
- The gooey cheese and vibrant spinach create a symphony of flavors, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in
- Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra cheese on top for that golden finish!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your ziti until al dente. While it cooks, sauté garlic and spinach in olive oil, then mix everything with marinara sauce and ricotta. Layer with mozzarella and bake until bubbly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap spinach for kale or add mushrooms for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different cheeses like provolone or even a dash of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or bake at 350°F until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For optimal flavor, let the baked ziti sit for 10 minutes before serving
- This allows the layers to set beautifully
- Always taste your sauce while cooking to adjust seasoning as needed
- When using frozen spinach, thoroughly drain excess moisture to prevent sogginess
Cooking this dish reminds me of family gatherings where everyone would fight over the last cheesy bite—it was always worth it!
FAQ
Can I use gluten-free pasta for baked ziti?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works well; just follow package instructions for cooking time.
How do I make baked ziti vegetarian?
Simply omit any meat and load up on more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
What can I serve with baked ziti?
A fresh garden salad and garlic bread complement baked ziti perfectly, enhancing the meal experience.
Baked Ziti with Spinach
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Baked Ziti with Spinach is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings warmth to any table. This cheesy casserole features tender ziti pasta layered with rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and melty mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, each bite offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Whether served with garlic bread or a crisp salad, this dish guarantees satisfaction and joy for all.
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or 2 cups frozen, thawed)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil water in a large pot; cook ziti until al dente. Drain well.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil; sauté garlic until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and marinara until creamy.
- Fold cooked ziti into the cheese mixture until well combined.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Top with the rest of the pasta mixture and more cheese.
- Cover with foil; bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
