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Best Baked Ziti

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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner Recipes
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients
  

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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