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4.75 from 4 votes

Spinach Baked Ziti

Spinach Baked Ziti has all the flavors of lasagna, but is ready in half the time. It's cheesy and comforting for a perfect baked pasta dinner!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Kristin Maxwell

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Ziti pasta
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 16 ounces Fresh baby spinach
  • 1 Small onion chopped
  • 6 Garlic cloves chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
  • 48 ounces Jarred marinara sauce
  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella cheese Fresh off the block
  • 15 ounces Ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup Grated parmesan divided
  • 1 Large egg
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh minced parsley

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350℉. Spray a 3-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  • Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook ziti noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. Drizzle with olive oil to keep noodles from sticking together (optional).
  • Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes. Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes and minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for an additional minute.
  • Stir in the marinara sauce and spinach. Remove from heat.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta, egg, parsley, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of Mozzarella cheese.
  • Spread about a cup of sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the noodles and top that with the ricotta mixture and half of the remaining sauce. (For the ricotta, you can just add dollops evenly over the noodles as it likely won't spread easily).
  • Continue layering: remaining noodles, remaining sauce, remaining Mozzarella and Parmesan.
  • Bake in the preheated 350℉ oven for 20-25 minutes until lightly brown on top. Rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Make ahead: When you finish the layers, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to baking. 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 689kcal | Carbohydrates: 79g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 100mg | Sodium: 1594mg | Potassium: 1452mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 8927IU | Vitamin C: 41mg | Calcium: 561mg | Iron: 6mg

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