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Italian-American cuisine has carved a beloved niche in the hearts and homes of food lovers worldwide. Renowned for its rich flavors and comforting dishes, it effortlessly brings people together, making it a staple for family gatherings and casual weeknight dinners. Among the myriad of Italian-American offerings, baked ziti stands out as a quintessential favorite, celebrated for its hearty ingredients and satisfying nature.

Easy Baked Ziti with Spinach and Ricotta

Indulge in the comforting goodness of Cheesy Spinach Delight Baked Ziti, a delicious twist on the classic Italian-American dish. This recipe combines ziti pasta, fresh spinach, and a trio of cheeses—ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan—for a satisfying and nutritious meal. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone. Discover how to layer flavors and create a gooey, cheesy masterpiece with this step-by-step guide.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz ziti pasta

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 ½ cups ricotta cheese

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

Salt and black pepper to taste

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for your dish.

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside.

      Prepare the Spinach Mixture: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, chopped spinach, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.

        Combine Everything: In another large mixing bowl, combine the drained ziti pasta with the marinara sauce, stirring well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. Gently fold in the spinach-ricotta mixture until all ingredients are fully blended together.

          Assemble the Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. Carefully transfer the pasta and spinach mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top for extra flavor.

            Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on the surface.

              Optional Garnish: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for around 5 minutes. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a delightful pop of color and aroma.

                Serve: Scoop generous portions of the baked ziti onto plates and serve warm. For a well-rounded meal, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 45 min | 6 servings