Easy Best Baked Ziti Recipe with Spinach and Smoked Mozzarella
If you’re in search of a soul-warming dish that your family will adore, this Easy Best Baked Ziti Recipe with Spinach and Smoked Mozzarella is your answer! This delightful pasta bake combines layers of creamy ricotta, rich marinara sauce, and the unique flavor of smoked mozzarella. With fresh spinach adding a nutritious touch, it’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. You can whip it up in just 15 minutes, making it as convenient as delicious. The result? A cheesy, flavorful dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound fresh spinach
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1.5 cups grated smoked mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 cups grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley and basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta in salted water until al dente; drain.
- Sauté spinach in olive oil until wilted.
- Mix ricotta, lemon zest, oregano, half smoked mozzarella, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Layer half of the marinara sauce in a baking dish; add half the ziti followed by half the spinach and half the cheese mixture. Repeat layers.
- Pour remaining marinara on top and sprinkle with remaining cheeses.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg