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To create a delicious baked ziti, gather these key ingredients: - 12 oz ziti pasta - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping) - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce - 1 egg, beaten - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil These ingredients work together to deliver rich flavor and creamy texture. You can add a few optional ingredients for extra taste: - Crushed red pepper for heat - Fresh herbs like basil or parsley for freshness - Cooked ground beef or sausage for protein - Sliced olives for a briny twist These options let you customize your dish to suit your taste. When picking fresh ingredients, focus on quality: - Choose spinach that looks vibrant and crisp. Avoid wilted leaves. - Look for ricotta that is creamy and smooth. Check for freshness dates. - Select mozzarella that is soft and has a milky aroma. - For marinara sauce, pick one with simple, natural ingredients. Fresh ingredients make your baked ziti taste amazing. For the full recipe, check out the detailed cooking instructions. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once boiling, add 12 oz of ziti pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to stir it occasionally. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute. You want it to smell good but not burn. Then, add 2 cups of chopped spinach. Sauté the spinach until it wilts, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1 beaten egg. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well. Then, fold in the sautéed spinach. This mixture adds a creamy and cheesy layer to your baked ziti. Now, you’re ready to assemble your dish! For the full recipe, refer to the instructions above. To layer your baked ziti right, start with the pasta. Place half of the cooked ziti in your baking dish. Next, spread half of the marinara sauce over it. Then, dollop half of the ricotta-spinach mixture on top. Make sure to spread it evenly. Repeat this with the rest of the ingredients. This way, every bite has rich flavor. The top should have a generous layer of mozzarella cheese for that perfect melt. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. It should be al dente, as it will cook more in the oven. Another mistake is skipping the sauté step for the spinach. This step adds flavor and reduces moisture. Don't forget to cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking. This helps the ziti cook evenly. Lastly, let it cool a bit before slicing. This prevents a messy serving. For a beautiful presentation, allow the ziti to cool for a few minutes after baking. Slice it into even portions. Serve each portion on a plate with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top. This adds color and flavor. A drizzle of olive oil can also enhance the look. For extra flair, pair your baked ziti with a side salad. This makes your meal not just tasty but also visually appealing. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your baked ziti. Chicken, sausage, or tofu works great. For chicken, use cooked, shredded chicken. Sausage can be cooked and crumbled into the mix. If you prefer tofu, use firm tofu, and crumble it before mixing. Adding protein enhances flavor and makes the dish more filling. If you want to keep it vegetarian, there are many options. You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra veggies. These add texture and flavor. You can also mix in artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist. These add-ins give your baked ziti a unique flair. You can adjust the baked ziti for dietary needs. If you're gluten-free, use gluten-free ziti or pasta. For dairy-free options, try vegan cheese or a cashew cream. You can also skip the egg for a vegan version. These changes allow everyone to enjoy this dish, no matter their diet. For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Spinach & Ricotta Ziti Delight . To keep your baked ziti fresh, let it cool first. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge. They will stay good for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to save some for later, consider freezing it. When reheating, use the oven for best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the ziti in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of marinara sauce to keep it moist. Cover with foil to avoid drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes or until hot. You can also use the microwave, but the oven gives better texture. Freezing is a great option for long-term storage. Use a freezer-safe container or aluminum foil. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To bake from frozen, remove it and thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, follow the reheating tips above. For a quick meal, you can bake it straight from the freezer; just add extra time. Enjoy this tasty treat whenever you want! For the full recipe, check the cooking section. Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Penne, fusilli, or shells work well too. Each shape holds sauce differently, adding its unique texture. For example, penne is great for scooping sauce, while shells trap cheese. Just keep the cooking time similar to ziti. Cook until al dente, as it will bake more in the oven. If you can't find ricotta, try cottage cheese or cream cheese. You can blend cottage cheese for a smoother texture. For a rich flavor, use mascarpone cheese. If you're dairy-free, consider tofu blended with lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Each option brings a different taste, so choose what you like. Baked ziti lasts well in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to cover it tightly to keep it fresh. Use an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it in the oven. You can also find the full recipe here, ensuring you make a fresh batch anytime! Baked ziti with spinach and ricotta is a great dish you can easily make. We covered the key ingredients and how to choose fresh ones. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking, mixing flavors, and avoiding mistakes. You also learned about variations and how to store leftovers properly. This dish is fun to make and share. Remember, you can change it up with proteins or veggies. So, enjoy creating your perfect baked ziti!

Baked Ziti with Spinach and Ricotta

Discover a deliciously cheesy dish with our Cheesy Spinach & Ricotta Ziti Delight! This easy recipe is perfect for families and gatherings, featuring ziti pasta layered with spinach, ricotta, and melty mozzarella, all baked to perfection. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can have a warm, comforting meal on the table in under an hour. Click through to explore this delightful recipe and impress your loved ones with every bite!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz ziti pasta

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

1 egg, beaten

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Boil the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

        Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

          In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese, beaten egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix in the sautéed spinach.

            In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti at the bottom. Spread half of the marinara sauce over the pasta.

              Dollop half of the ricotta-spinach mixture over the sauce and gently spread it. Repeat with the remaining ziti, sauce, and ricotta mixture.

                Top the final layer with the remaining mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

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

                    Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.

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

                        - Presentation Tips: Allow the ziti to cool for a few minutes after baking before slicing. Serve in individual portions garnished with fresh basil leaves for color and flavor.