Easy Best Baked Ziti Recipe with Spinach and Smoked Mozzarella

Best Baked Ziti is a dish that embodies comfort and warmth, inviting you to dive into layers of gooey cheese, rich marinara, and perfectly cooked pasta. Imagine walking into a kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of baked mozzarella bubbling away in the oven, making your mouth water in anticipation.

This recipe not only brings back fond memories of family gatherings around the dinner table but also transforms an ordinary weeknight into a celebration of flavors. Let’s create this magic with the Best Baked Ziti, a dish perfect for cozy nights, potlucks, or whenever a craving for hearty Italian comfort hits you.

Ingredients for Best Baked Ziti

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Best Baked Ziti:

4 cups marinara sauce – A robust sauce that serves as the backbone of our dish, infusing every layer with flavor. Choose your favorite brand or make your own for a personal touch.

2 cups ricotta cheese – This creamy cheese adds richness and texture, ensuring every bite is delightful. Look for whole-milk ricotta for the best results.

2 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic adds an aromatic kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Don’t skimp on the garlic if you love its bold taste.

1 tablespoon lemon zest – A touch of citrusy brightness balances the richness of the cheese and adds a refreshing note. Use a microplane for finely grating.

1 teaspoon oregano – This herb brings warmth and an authentic Italian flavor. Dried oregano is perfect, but feel free to swap in fresh if you have it.

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes – For those who enjoy a bit of heat, these flakes offer a gentle kick without overwhelming the dish.

¾ teaspoon sea salt – Essential for bringing out all the flavors in your baked ziti. Adjust based on your personal preference.

Freshly ground black pepper – A staple seasoning that enhances flavors, you can use as much or as little as you like.

1 pound ziti pasta – The star of the show, ziti holds the sauce perfectly within its tubular shape. This recipe works well with penne too.

Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling – A splash of high-quality olive oil adds richness and depth. Use it generously for drizzling before baking.

1 pound fresh spinach – Adding color and nutrients, spinach wilts down beautifully and integrates perfectly into the dish.

1½ cups grated smoked mozzarella cheese – This cheese adds a delicious creamy texture with a hint of smokiness that sets it apart from traditional mozzarella.

¼ cup grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese – For a salty finish that elevates the dish to a new level of deliciousness.

Chopped fresh parsley and/or torn basil leaves, for garnish – This bright green garnish brings freshness and visual appeal, making your baked ziti pop.

How to Make Best Baked Ziti

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Best Baked Ziti:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). This helps achieve that perfect bubbling, golden cheese finish on top that we all crave. While your oven heats, prepare your baking dish by spreading ½ cup of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish.

Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, minced garlic, lemon zest, oregano, red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon of sea salt, and several grinds of fresh black pepper. Stir until smooth and well-combined, creating a creamy, fragrant filling that adds a heartwarming layer to your baked ziti.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it back into the pot while it’s still warm.

Step 4: Sauté the Spinach
With the pot still warm (but off the heat), drizzle the bottom with a little olive oil and toss in the fresh spinach. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, just until it wilts. Remove the spinach, gently squeeze out excess water, coarsely chop it, and mix it back into the pasta along with the remaining marinara sauce, chopped spinach, ¼ teaspoon of sea salt, and more black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Layer for Baking
Add half of the pasta mixture to your prepared baking dish. Top it with dollops of the ricotta mixture, then layer on the remaining spinach and pasta mixture. Sprinkle a generous amount of smoked mozzarella and pecorino cheese on top. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil for that extra richness.

Step 6: Bake and Serve
Bake your ziti in the preheated oven for 16 to 22 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully browned and bubbling. Once it’s out of the oven, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or torn basil leaves. Serve hot and watch your family and friends gather around the table, eagerly awaiting their first bite of this comforting delight.

Perfecting Best Baked Ziti Cooking Process

Begin by preheating your oven while prepping your ingredients. Cook the pasta until al dente, toss with sautéed spinach and marinara, then layer with ricotta and cheese before baking for a golden, bubbly finish.

Add Your Touch to Best Baked Ziti

Feel free to personalize your Best Baked Ziti by adding cooked sausage, roasted vegetables, or substituting the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter twist. Spice it up with fresh herbs, or mix in some caramelized onions for extra sweetness.

Storing & Reheating Best Baked Ziti

To store leftover Best Baked Ziti, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three days. For reheating, bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, giving it that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

The first time I made Best Baked Ziti, I mistakenly overcooked the pasta. My friends lovingly dubbed it “noodle soup,” but they still devoured it! Now, I’m proud to say I’ve mastered it.

FAQs About Best Baked Ziti

What is Best Baked Ziti?

Best Baked Ziti is a delicious Italian-American comfort food dish that consists of ziti pasta mixed with marinara sauce, ricotta, spinach, and various cheeses, then baked to bubbly perfection. This hearty casserole is loved for its layers of flavors and its ability to satisfy the entire family. Perfect for gatherings, its presentation is impressive, yet it’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Can I customize my Best Baked Ziti?

Absolutely! One of the best things about making Best Baked Ziti is its versatility. You can add cooked sausage or ground beef for a meatier dish, or incorporate roasted vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition. If you’re looking for a lighter version, substitute ricotta with cottage cheese. You can also play with spices and herbs, like adding fresh basil or Italian seasoning, to make it your own. The possibilities are indeed endless!

What sides pair well with Best Baked Ziti?

When serving Best Baked Ziti, consider pairing it with a simple side salad for a touch of freshness. A Caesar salad, with its crisp romaine and crunchy croutons, complements the richness of the pasta beautifully. Garlic bread is another classic choice, perfect for soaking up the remaining marinara sauce on your plate. You might also enjoy steamed vegetables, which provide a light contrast to the cheesy ziti, balancing out your meal.

How do I store leftover Best Baked Ziti?

To store leftover Best Baked Ziti, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in individual portions. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This ensures that every cheesy, flavorful bite tastes as good as the first.

Conclusion for Best Baked Ziti

In conclusion, making the Best Baked Ziti is as rewarding as it is delicious. With its rich layers of pasta, cheese, and vibrant spinach, it’s perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it to your taste, making it an easily adaptable recipe for family meals or gatherings. Remember to savor each satisfying bite, topped with fresh herbs for that added touch. This dish is destined to become a beloved favorite in your household!

Easy Best Baked Ziti Recipe with Spinach and Smoked Mozzarella

This Best Baked Ziti combines rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and gooey smoked mozzarella for a comforting family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner Recipes

Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Sauce and Cheese

• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1.5 cups grated smoked mozzarella cheese
• 0.25 cups grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.75 teaspoon sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound fresh spinach
• 1 pound ziti pasta
• Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
• Chopped fresh parsley and/or torn basil leaves for garnish

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Large pot
• medium bowl

Method

 

Preparation and Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spread ½ cup marinara in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, garlic, lemon zest, oregano, red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon salt, and several grinds of fresh pepper.
3. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain.
4. Return the pot back to the stove. Over low heat, drizzle the bottom of the pot with a little olive oil and add the spinach. Toss and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until just wilted. Remove the spinach from the pot, gently squeeze out some of the excess water, coarsely chop it, and set aside.
5. Add the pasta back to the pot along with the remaining marinara, most of the chopped spinach, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, and more fresh pepper. Toss until combined.
6. Add half the pasta to the baking dish, top with dollops of the ricotta, the remaining spinach, and scoop the remaining pasta on top. Top with the mozzarella and pecorino cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and bake until the cheese is browned, 16 to 22 minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving

Notes

Feel free to customize with additional proteins or vegetables for a personal touch.

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