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Amazing 15-Minute Baked Ziti with Spinach and Cheese

Baked Ziti with Spinach and Cheese
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Bake this comforting Baked Ziti with Spinach and Cheese for an easy, satisfying dinner. It balances deep, familiar flavors with a touch of freshness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Stir in the squeezed-dry spinach.
  7. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, the tomato sauce, and the ricotta-spinach mixture. Mix gently until everything is coated.
  8. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
  9. Top with the remaining pasta mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  10. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly browned.
  11. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your warm, flavorful meal!

Notes

  • Squeeze the spinach very dry; excess water makes the dish watery.
  • You can add cooked ground Italian sausage to the sauce for extra depth.
  • If you prefer a brighter flavor, add a tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley when mixing the ricotta.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonsprout.com/baked-ziti-with-spinach-and-cheese/