Have you ever found yourself craving something comforting yet light? Enter baked ziti with spinach—it’s like a warm hug on a chilly evening, minus the guilt. This dish is a delightful blend of creamy textures and savory flavors, perfect for those nights when you’re yearning for something hearty but watching the waistline.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Meanwhile, cook the ziti in a large pot of salted water until just slightly underdone, as it will finish cooking in the oven. Once cooked, drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in the thawed spinach, crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano, cooking for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine the prepared sauce with the pasta in the pot, adding half of the mozzarella, all of the Parmesan, and ricotta cheeses. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the sauce and cheese mixture.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top and cover the dish with foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are slightly browned. Allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces uncooked ziti (wheat or gluten-free)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (recommendation: Tuttorosso)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces package frozen spinach, thawed
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces fat-free ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (8 ounces total, recommendation: Polly-O)
- Olive oil cooking spray
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2368 kcal | Protein: 128 g | Carbohydrates: 352 g | Fat: 56 g | Saturated Fat: 28 g | Cholesterol: 192 mg | Sodium: 4192 mg | Fiber: 44 g | Sugar: 40 g
FAQ
- Can I prepare the baked ziti with spinach ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the dish a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Is it possible to freeze leftovers from this recipe?
- Absolutely, this dish is great for freezing. If you have leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container and freeze for future meals.
- Can I substitute fresh spinach for frozen spinach in this recipe?
- Yes, fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen. However, make sure to sauté it until wilted before adding it to the sauce.
- What type of pasta works best for this dish?
- While the recipe calls for ziti, you can use any short pasta such as penne or rigatoni as a substitute.
- How can I make this dish gluten-free?
- To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta instead of regular wheat pasta.
Tips
- Slightly undercook the pasta by 3 to 4 minutes compared to the package instructions, as it will continue cooking in the oven. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming too soft and mushy.
- To save time, you can assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
- If you have a smaller family, consider freezing the leftovers for easy meals in the future. This dish freezes well and can be a convenient option for busy days.
- Enhance the flavor by using fresh basil and oregano in the sauce. Fresh herbs can provide a more vibrant taste compared to dried ones.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Olive oil cooking spray
