Baked Ziti with Spinach and Ricotta Recipe

Welcome to another heartwarming recipe from Zynahz! I’m Zynah Maryam and today I’m thrilled to share one of my all-time favorites: Baked Ziti with Spinach and Ricotta. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weekend dinner, capturing the essence of Italian comfort food with a delightful twist. The creamy ricotta, nutritious spinach, and flavorful tomato sauce come together to create a magical symphony of taste and texture. Trust me, every bite of this delicious casserole will bring pure joy to your dining table. Let’s dive in!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Skill Level: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with olive oil.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and dried basil. Mix in the sautéed spinach and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce to cover the bottom.
7. Layer half of the cooked ziti pasta over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, followed by a layer of marinara sauce.
8. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and marinara sauce.
9. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Helpful Tips:

• If you’re short on time, use store-bought marinara sauce. For a richer flavor, make your own homemade sauce.
• You can substitute spinach with other greens like kale or Swiss chard.
• For a creamier texture, add a bit of heavy cream to the ricotta mixture.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Pairings:

This baked ziti pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and garlic bread. For drinks, consider serving with a crisp, cool lemonade or a glass of sparkling water with a splash of lemon juice.

At Zynahz, we believe in bringing joy and creativity into your kitchen. We hope this Baked Ziti with Spinach and Ricotta recipe inspires you to gather your loved ones and share a meal filled with flavor and warmth. We’d love to see your culinary creations, so be sure to tag us on social media and share your results with the Zynahz community. Don’t forget to explore more delicious recipes, follow us for daily inspiration, and sign up for our newsletter to stay updated. Happy cooking!