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+ servings

Baked Ziti with Ricotta

A comforting baked pasta dish featuring ziti, ricotta, mozzarella, and a rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta & Cheese

  • 16 ounces ziti pasta
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)

Vegetables & Sauces

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium zucchini, chopped
  • 16 ounces spinach
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce

Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (ground)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the chopped zucchini and cook for another 5 minutes. Add the spinach and let it wilt.

Cooking

  • Next, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and simmer for 10 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the tomato mixture and ricotta cheese. Make sure everything is well mixed.
  • Transfer half of the ziti mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese on top. Add the remaining ziti mixture and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve Baked Ziti with Ricotta hot from the oven. Sprinkle fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, on top for extra flavor. This dish pairs well with a simple salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a creamier texture, add more ricotta cheese. You can also add cooked ground meat for extra protein or vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 22gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6g
Keyword Baked Ziti, Cheesy Recipe, Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Pasta Dish
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