Introduction: Why This Recipe is a Game Changer
If you’re looking for a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that the whole family will love, then look no further than this Easy Baked Ziti with Spinach. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines all the elements you crave in a cozy meal: tender ziti pasta, a rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and the added goodness of fresh spinach. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or prepping for a big meal ahead, this baked ziti recipe is a winner that everyone can enjoy. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones.
In this article, we will walk you through the entire recipe—from the ingredients to the step-by-step instructions. We’ll also share helpful tips for making this dish your own, plus some variations to suit different tastes.
Get ready to dive into a comforting plate of Baked Ziti with Spinach that is both delicious and satisfying!
What is Baked Ziti with Spinach?
Baked Ziti with Spinach is a twist on the classic baked ziti. This Italian-inspired dish features ziti pasta, a rich marinara sauce, and a combination of cheeses such as ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. What makes this version unique is the addition of fresh spinach, which gives the dish a vibrant, healthy touch while balancing out the rich flavors. It’s a perfect meal for busy evenings when you want something hearty but also packed with nutrients.
Typically, baked ziti is a crowd-pleaser, and adding spinach to the mix not only enhances the flavor but also brings in a healthy dose of greens. If you’re a fan of comfort food with a healthy twist, then this is the dish you’ve been waiting for!
The Origin of Baked Ziti
The origins of baked ziti date back to Italy, where pasta dishes are a staple in every household. Ziti, a type of pasta that’s tube-shaped, is often used in baked pasta dishes due to its ability to hold sauces and cheese well. While baked ziti became popular in Italian-American cuisine, its roots are deeply tied to the traditional Italian practice of baking pasta with sauce and cheese.
The addition of spinach in this dish is more of a modern take, as many cooks experiment with adding vegetables to classic pasta bakes for added nutrition and flavor. Today, baked ziti with spinach is a favorite not only for its delightful taste but also for how easy and quick it is to prepare. This comforting meal is now a staple in homes worldwide, perfect for family dinners, special occasions, and even meal prep.
Ingredients (Serves 8)
To make this easy and hearty Baked Ziti with Spinach, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 16 oz ziti pasta (uncooked)
- 4 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Olive oil, for drizzling
These ingredients come together to create a rich, comforting meal that you can enjoy with your family and friends.
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
1. Prep the Pasta
Start by bringing salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add the ziti pasta and cook it according to the package directions until the pasta is al dente (firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Mix the Filling
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the filling for the baked ziti. In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:
- Ricotta cheese
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Half of the shredded mozzarella cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
Stir these ingredients together until they are well combined. Now, add the chopped spinach to the mixture and stir again, making sure the spinach is evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
3. Assemble the Baked Ziti
Now, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
In a large bowl, toss the cooked ziti with the marinara sauce until the pasta is evenly coated. Then, take a 9×13-inch baking dish and begin assembling the dish in layers:
- Spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture in the bottom of the dish.
- Next, spread the ricotta and spinach mixture over the pasta.
- Top the ricotta mixture with the remaining pasta and sauce.
Sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake the Ziti
To give the dish a lovely golden finish, drizzle the top with a bit of olive oil. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
5. Rest and Serve
Once the ziti is done baking, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the dish to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve. Once rested, slice it up and enjoy the comforting goodness of your Easy Baked Ziti with Spinach!
Tips & Variations
While this Baked Ziti with Spinach is fantastic as-is, here are some ideas to make it your own or adapt it to different preferences:
1. Add Protein
For a heartier meal, consider adding protein to the dish. Some great options include:
- Cooked ground turkey or sausage for a savory kick.
- Cannellini beans for a vegetarian protein option that complements the spinach beautifully.
2. Make it Spicy
If you love a bit of heat, try adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara sauce. This will give the dish a spicy undertone that balances well with the creamy ricotta.
3. Prep Ahead
This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat, and you’ll have a piping hot meal in no time!
FAQs
Can I Use Other Pasta Instead of Ziti?
Yes! While ziti works wonderfully in this dish, you can swap it for other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni. Just make sure the pasta is sturdy enough to hold up during baking.
Can I Make Baked Ziti with Spinach Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven as directed. If you’re refrigerating the dish, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this dish vegan, substitute the ricotta cheese and mozzarella cheese with vegan cheese alternatives. You can also swap the parmesan cheese for a vegan version or skip it entirely.
Conclusion
This Easy Baked Ziti with Spinach is a perfect combination of simplicity and deliciousness. Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner or planning meals ahead of time, this dish ticks all the boxes. It’s not only comforting and delicious, but also versatile enough to suit your own personal tastes. Add a little spice, toss in some protein, or keep it simple with just the classic flavors.
Whatever you choose, you can be sure that this baked ziti will become a staple in your meal rotation. The creamy ricotta, savory marinara sauce, and fresh spinach make this dish a delightful treat that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the flavors of this easy-to-make baked ziti with spinach tonight!
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Easy Baked Ziti with Spinach Recipe – A Cozy and Delicious Dinner
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Ziti with Spinach is a twist on the classic baked ziti. This Italian-inspired dish features ziti pasta, a rich marinara sauce, and a combination of cheeses such as ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. What makes this version unique is the addition of fresh spinach, which gives the dish a vibrant, healthy touch while balancing out the rich flavors. It’s a perfect meal for busy evenings when you want something hearty but also packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
- 16 oz ziti pasta, uncooked
- 4 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prep the Pasta:
- Bring salted water to a boil and cook ziti until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Mix the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, parmesan, half the mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in chopped spinach until evenly distributed.
- Assemble:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, toss cooked ziti with marinara sauce.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the pasta mixture, then spread the ricotta-spinach mixture.
- Top with remaining pasta and sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella.
- Bake:
- Drizzle top with olive oil.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Make-Ahead Tip: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Assemble it ahead of time, refrigerate, and simply bake when you’re ready to serve. It also freezes well—great for busy weeknights or sharing with friends!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Easy Baked Ziti with Spinach Recipe
