Description
Irresistible Baked Ziti with Spinach is a heartwarming dish that combines layers of tender ziti pasta with creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and gooey mozzarella, all enveloped in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this delightful recipe promises to please every palate. With its vibrant colors and mouthwatering aroma, it’s not just a meal; it’s a memory waiting to be made.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 4 cups baby spinach (about 3 oz)
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 cups grated fresh mozzarella cheese
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- ½ cup grated fresh parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish with olive oil.
- In a pot of boiling salted water, cook ziti until al dente as per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the spinach in olive oil until wilted (about 3 minutes).
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, half the mozzarella, sautéed spinach, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce at the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half the ziti on top followed by the cheesy mixture. Repeat with remaining pasta and finish with the rest of the marinara sauce.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg