Description
This Spinach Ziti is a comforting Italian-American baked pasta dish featuring tender ziti pasta tossed with a flavorful spinach marinara sauce and layered with a rich ricotta and cheese mixture. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a perfect family-friendly meal that balances garden-fresh spinach with creamy cheeses and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare for baking the assembled ziti.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add Spinach and Sauce: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Pour in the marinara sauce, then add dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, and heavy cream if using. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with the spinach marinara sauce until well combined.
- Layer Pasta and Cheese: Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dollop the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta layer, then cover with the remaining pasta mixture.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked ziti to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set for easier portioning and to avoid burning.
Notes
- For a lighter version, omit the heavy cream or use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella.
- You can add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef for a meatier variation.
- Use fresh herbs if available, substituting dried with about three times the amount.
- If you prefer spicier dishes, increase the red pepper flakes or add chopped fresh chili.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
