There’s something truly magical about gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing a meal that’s been made with love and creativity. Our Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Ziti is a dish that beautifully marries the rich, comforting flavors of traditional Italian cuisine with a touch of fresh, leafy spinach. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, this hearty yet elegant recipe will bring everyone together, one delicious bite after another.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Skill Level: Intermediate
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
- Using a small spoon, stuff each cooked ziti with the ricotta and spinach mixture. Arrange the stuffed ziti in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed ziti, ensuring all the pasta is covered.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Helpful Tips
If you’re short on time, use store-bought marinara sauce to simplify the recipe. Feel free to add some cooked, crumbled Italian sausage or mushrooms to the ricotta mixture for extra flavor. The stuffed ziti can also be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Pairings
Serve your Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Ziti with a crisp Caesar salad and freshly baked garlic bread for a complete Italian feast. A glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or a sparkling water with a twist of lemon makes a refreshing drink to accompany this satisfying dish.
We can’t wait to see your delightful creations! Share your Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Ziti masterpieces using #ZynahzRecipes or tag us on Instagram @Zynahz. Visit www.zynahz.com to leave your feedback – we would love to hear from you! Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest recipes and follow us on social media to stay inspired in the kitchen. Happy cooking!
