Baked Ziti with Spinach

$- 12 oz ziti pasta - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated - 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste In this recipe, I love using ziti pasta. It holds the sauce well. Fresh spinach adds great color and nutrients. Ricotta cheese gives a creamy texture. Mozzarella and Parmesan create a rich, cheesy top. Marinara sauce brings everything together with its tangy flavor. Garlic powder and oregano add warmth and depth. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Fresh basil leaves for garnish For some heat, consider adding red pepper flakes. They bring a nice kick. Fresh basil leaves make a great garnish. They add color and fresh aroma. If you want to make it more fun, you can mix and match these ingredients to suit your taste. For the full recipe, take a look at the details below. - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Boil and cook the ziti pasta until al dente. Start by preheating your oven. This step is key to a good bake. While that heats up, grab a large pot. Fill it with salted water and bring it to a boil. Once you see bubbles, add the ziti pasta. Cook it just until al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool a bit. - Combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, and seasonings. Now, let’s make the filling. Take a big mixing bowl. Add the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Next, toss in the chopped spinach. I like to add garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper too. Mix everything well. You want the spinach to spread evenly throughout the cheese. - Layer marinara sauce, ziti, cheese mixture, and more sauce. - Add final layers and cheese topping. Grab a large baking dish now. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. This keeps the pasta from sticking. Add half of the cooked ziti over the sauce. Spoon half of the cheese mixture on top of that. Spread it out evenly. Then, add another layer of marinara sauce. Repeat this process. Finish with the last layer of ziti, followed by the rest of the cheese mixture. Top it all with more marinara sauce. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top. - Cover with aluminum foil and bake initially. - Uncover and bake until golden brown. Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil. This keeps the moisture inside. Bake it in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. After that time, carefully remove the foil. This allows the cheese to brown. Bake it for another 15 to 20 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and be bubbly. It should turn a lovely golden brown color. For the full recipe, follow along with each step to create a delicious dish. - How to cook pasta al dente: To achieve al dente pasta, boil your ziti in salted water. Follow the package instructions closely. Check the pasta a minute before the time is up. It should be firm yet tender. Remember, it will cook more in the oven. - Ensuring even distribution of ingredients: When mixing your cheese and spinach, stir well. Make sure the spinach is spread throughout. This way, every bite is packed with flavor. Layer your ingredients carefully in the baking dish. Each layer should be even for best results. - Best cheese alternatives to use: If you want to switch things up, try using gouda or fontina cheese. These cheeses melt well and add a unique taste. You can also mix in some ricotta for creaminess. - Tips for a cheesier baked ziti: For an extra cheesy dish, add more mozzarella or sprinkle on some provolone. Mixing different cheeses can enhance the flavor. Be sure to cover the top with cheese for a golden crust. - Serving ideas for a beautiful presentation: Serve the baked ziti straight from the dish. This gives a homey, inviting look. You can scoop it out onto plates or bowls for a more formal touch. - Garnish options for visual appeal: Fresh basil leaves add color and aroma. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top also makes it pop. You can even drizzle a bit of olive oil for a glossy finish. These small touches make your dish shine. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps and ingredients above. {{image_4}} To make your baked ziti even more vibrant, think about adding more veggies. You can include bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. These will bring color and flavor to your dish. For a meatless version, just stick to the original recipe. The ricotta and spinach provide enough protein and creaminess. You can also try mixing in some artichoke hearts or roasted eggplant for extra taste. If you want extra protein, consider adding ground meat or sausage. Ground beef, turkey, or chicken work well. For Italian flair, try sweet or spicy sausage. Each type of meat brings a different flavor to the dish. You can also use plant-based proteins like lentils or tofu for a delicious twist. For those who need gluten-free meals, there are great substitutes. You can use gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. These options taste great and blend well with the sauce and cheese. Keep the cooking time in mind. Gluten-free pasta may need less time to cook. Adjust your baking time too, checking for the right texture. With these tweaks, you can enjoy baked ziti without worries. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To store leftover baked ziti, let it cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from drying out. Store ziti in the fridge for up to 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze baked ziti, use a freezer-safe container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. This helps avoid freezer burn. Baked ziti can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. For best flavor and texture, reheat in the oven. You can reheat baked ziti in the microwave or oven. If using the microwave, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for 1 to 2 minutes, checking often. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Cover the ziti with foil to keep it moist, and heat for about 20 minutes. This ensures even heating and a warm dish every time. You can use several leafy greens in place of spinach. Some great options include: - Kale: Chopped finely, it adds a nice texture. - Swiss chard: Its mild taste works well in baked ziti. - Arugula: Adds a peppery flavor. - Collard greens: A hearty option; just chop them small. These greens can give your dish a new twist while keeping it healthy. Yes, you can make baked ziti ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Prepare the dish and layer it in the baking dish. - Cover it with foil and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time. - You can freeze baked ziti too! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It lasts for up to three months. To check if your baked ziti is done, look for these signs: - The cheese should be melted and bubbly. - The top should have a nice golden-brown color. - If you insert a knife in the center, it should come out hot. These signs show that your dish is ready to enjoy! Yes, whole wheat pasta is a tasty choice. Here are some pros and cons: Pros: - Higher in fiber which is good for digestion. - More nutrients than regular pasta. Cons: - It can have a denser texture. - It cooks faster, so keep an eye on it. Using whole wheat ziti can be a healthy swap in your baked ziti with spinach. For the full recipe, check out the details above! Baked ziti with spinach is a crowd-pleaser that's easy to make. You start by cooking ziti and making a cheese mixture. Then, layer your ingredients with marinara sauce and bake until golden brown. Feel free to customize with veggies or proteins to suit your taste. Store leftovers properly and reheat for quick meals. This dish is so versatile, you'll love making it time and again. Enjoy every bite!$

Discover the joy of cooking with this Savory Spinach and Cheese Baked Ziti recipe! Easy to make and bursting with flavor, this dish combines ziti pasta, fresh spinach, and a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses for a cheesy delight. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it's sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a delightful twist on classic baked ziti!

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Ingredients

12 oz ziti pasta

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup ricotta cheese

2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is the right temperature when you're ready to bake your dish.

In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan. To this, add the garlic powder, dried oregano, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and the chopped spinach. Mix everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well integrated and the spinach is evenly distributed.

Take a large baking dish and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom. This will prevent the pasta from sticking and add flavor.

Layer half of the cooked ziti on top of the marinara sauce, ensuring even coverage. Then, spoon half of the ricotta-spinach mixture over the ziti and gently spread it out to create an even layer. Follow this with another layer of marinara sauce.

Repeat the layering process once more: add the remaining ziti, followed by the rest of the ricotta-spinach mixture, and finish with a final layer of marinara sauce on top.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of your final layer for a deliciously cheesy finish. If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle the red pepper flakes over the cheese layer.

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown nicely, then continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted, is bubbly, and has turned a lovely golden brown color.

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes to set. Just before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch and a pop of color.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: Consider serving this baked ziti directly from the dish, garnishing each portion with extra basil and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for an inviting look.