Pin this A comforting Italian-American casserole featuring tender pasta, creamy ricotta, vibrant spinach, and gooey mozzarella, all baked to golden perfection in a rich tomato sauce.
This baked ziti has become a family favorite – simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 450 g (1 lb) ziti pasta
- Cheese: 400 g (2 cups) ricotta cheese, 225 g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided, 50 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- Vegetables: 200 g (7 oz) fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen, thawed and drained), 1 medium onion, finely chopped, 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Sauce: 700 ml (24 oz) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade), 2 tbsp olive oil
- Seasoning: 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
- Step 2:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3:
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Step 4:
- Add the spinach to the skillet. Cook until wilted (if using fresh) or heated through (if using frozen). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Step 5:
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, half the Parmesan, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and a bit of salt and pepper. Stir in the cooked spinach mixture.
- Step 6:
- Add the drained pasta and 1 cup of marinara sauce to the bowl. Toss until evenly coated.
- Step 7:
- Spread 1 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add half of the pasta mixture, then top with half the remaining marinara. Repeat with the rest of the pasta and sauce.
- Step 8:
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Step 9:
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Step 10:
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Pin this Gathered around the table, we enjoy this dish with laughter and stories – it always brings us closer.
Tips for Perfect Texture
Be careful not to overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven. Use a light hand with salt since cheeses and sauce add saltiness.
Variations
Add sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for extra flavor. Substitute whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired for dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. Pairs beautifully with a medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti.
Pin this This baked ziti is a perfect comfort food that’s simple to make yet packed with flavor and nutrition.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Ziti pasta works best due to its tubular shape that holds sauce and cheese well, but other short pasta like penne can be used.
- → Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works fine if thawed and drained well before adding to the cheese mixture.
- → How do I prevent the dish from drying out during baking?
Layering the pasta with marinara sauce and covering with foil for the initial bake helps maintain moisture and creates a bubbly, creamy texture.
- → What cheeses are used in the layering?
Ricotta cheese is mixed into the spinach, with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan sprinkled on top for richness and browning.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the layers in advance and refrigerate; bake right before serving for best results.