Description of this recipe: This Spinach Ziti is a comforting and flavorful baked pasta dish that combines classic Italian flavors with the nutritional benefits of spinach. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. Imagine tender ziti pasta coated in a rich, homemade-tasting marinara sauce, studded with wilted spinach, and layered with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, every bite is a symphony of textures and tastes.
Why you will love this recipe: You’ll adore this Spinach Ziti because it’s a simple yet satisfying dish that delivers big on flavor. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra greens for picky eaters, and the creamy ricotta and melted cheeses create a wonderfully indulgent experience. This recipe is also highly customizable – you can easily add other vegetables, proteins, or spices to tailor it to your preferences. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead meal, making it ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining. The combination of a vibrant, flavorful sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a cheesy, creamy filling is irresistible.
Introduction
Spinach Ziti is a dish that embodies the warmth and comfort of Italian-American cuisine. It’s a baked pasta dish that layers perfectly cooked ziti with a savory spinach and marinara sauce and a creamy ricotta cheese filling. Topped with a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, it bakes to golden, bubbly perfection.
This recipe is designed to be approachable for home cooks of all skill levels. We’ll guide you through each step, from preparing the sauce and pasta to assembling and baking the dish. The result is a hearty and flavorful meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
The beauty of Spinach Ziti lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, meats, or spices. It’s also a great way to use up leftover ingredients you may have on hand.
Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 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
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures the ziti doesn’t stick to the bottom and cooks evenly. Prepare all your ingredients by chopping the onion and spinach, mincing the garlic, and measuring out the cheeses and spices. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient. Preheat the oven at least 15 minutes before baking.
Step 2: Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside. Overcooking the pasta will result in a mushy dish, so aim for al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly to avoid a watery sauce. After draining, you can toss the pasta with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together while you prepare the sauce. Be sure to reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. This water can be added to your sauce for an extra level of flavor.
Step 3: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Sautéing the onion and garlic in olive oil creates a flavorful base for the sauce. Cook them until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, but be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 4: Add the chopped spinach, cooking until wilted. Stir in the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. Adding the spinach to the pan allows it to wilt down and incorporate into the sauce. Seasoning the sauce with basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper adds depth and complexity. Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and create a richer, more cohesive taste.
Step 5: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ½ cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and heavy cream (if using), mixing until smooth. The ricotta cheese mixture adds a creamy and cheesy element to the dish. The egg helps to bind the mixture together, while the heavy cream adds richness and moisture. Mix the ingredients until smooth to ensure an even distribution of flavors and textures. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with milk or half-and-half, but it may result in a slightly less rich filling.
Step 6: Combine the cooked ziti with the spinach marinara sauce in a large bowl. Ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce, as this is what infuses the dish with flavor. Toss gently to avoid breaking the pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little pasta water to thin it out.
Step 7: Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dollop ricotta mixture over the pasta, then top with the remaining pasta. Layering the pasta and ricotta mixture ensures that every bite is filled with both flavor and texture. Spread the pasta evenly in the baking dish to ensure even cooking.
Step 8: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. A generous layer of mozzarella cheese creates a melty, bubbly topping that is both visually appealing and delicious. The mozzarella cheese adds a stringy, cheesy texture that complements the other ingredients.
Step 9: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Covering the dish with foil during the first part of baking helps to prevent the cheese from burning and allows the pasta to heat through evenly. Removing the foil for the last 10-15 minutes allows the cheese to melt and brown, creating a golden, bubbly topping. Keep a close eye on the dish to prevent it from burning. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, you can lower the oven temperature or cover the dish with foil again.
Step 10: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Allowing the dish to cool slightly before serving helps to prevent it from being too runny and gives the flavors a chance to meld together. It also makes it easier to cut and serve.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
- Pair with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve as a main course or as a side dish at a potluck or gathering.
Tips:
- To save time, use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese and pre-grated Parmesan cheese.
- If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach. Be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before using.
- For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- You can add other vegetables to the dish, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit the meat. You can also add plant-based protein, such as lentils or beans.
- Spinach ziti is a great dish to make ahead of time. Assemble the dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
40 minutes
Total Time:
60 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
Protein: Approximately 20-25 grams per serving
Sodium: Approximately 600-800mg per serving
Conclusion
Spinach Ziti is a delicious and satisfying baked pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its combination of tender ziti pasta, flavorful spinach and marinara sauce, creamy ricotta cheese filling, and melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese topping, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone. This recipe is easy to follow and customizable, so you can adapt it to your liking. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, Spinach Ziti is a great choice. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
A: Yes, you can absolutely use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all the excess water before adding it to the skillet. Excess water can make the sauce watery and affect the texture of the dish. Typically, a 10-ounce package of frozen spinach is equivalent to about 4 cups of fresh spinach once cooked and drained.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Definitely! Spinach Ziti is an excellent make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature slightly, then bake as directed. This makes it incredibly convenient for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining.
Q3: Can I add meat to this recipe?
A: Yes, you can easily add meat to this recipe to make it even heartier. Cooked ground beef, Italian sausage (removed from its casings), or shredded chicken would all be delicious additions. Brown the meat in the skillet before adding the onions and garlic. This will add a savory depth to the flavor profile of the dish. Be sure to drain any excess grease from the meat before proceeding with the recipe.
Q4: What if I don’t have ziti pasta? Can I substitute it with something else?
A: Of course! If you don’t have ziti pasta on hand, you can easily substitute it with other similar pasta shapes, such as penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni. The key is to choose a pasta shape that has ridges or grooves to help it hold onto the sauce. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente, then proceed with the recipe as usual.
Q5: Can I freeze Spinach Ziti for later?
A: Yes, you can freeze Spinach Ziti for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, allow the baked dish to cool completely, then cut it into individual portions or leave it whole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in aluminum foil. This will help prevent freezer burn. To reheat, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight, then bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly, about 20-30 minutes. You may need to add a little extra mozzarella cheese on top before baking to freshen it up.
