Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Baked Ziti

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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This Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food—perfect for a cozy night in or a casual dinner with friends. Combining the creamy flavors of spinach artichoke dip with the hearty satisfaction of baked ziti, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Baked Ziti

Ziti pasta is the backbone of this dish, providing a sturdy base that holds the sauce and cheese beautifully. Marinara sauce adds a tangy tomato flavor that pairs well with the rich cheese. Fresh spinach not only adds nutrition but also a vibrant color to the dish. Canned artichoke hearts bring a tender texture and slightly nutty flavor that complements the spinach well.

Ricotta cheese makes the dish creamy without being too heavy. Shredded mozzarella cheese offers that gooey, melted top we all crave. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami kick that enhances the flavors. Garlic, sautéed in olive oil, brings a fragrant depth to the dish. Salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes are used to season it just right, while fresh basil provides a refreshing finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use whole-wheat ziti for an extra fiber boost.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
  • Double the recipe and freeze one for an easy meal later on.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. A slice of garlic bread on the side is also a perfect companion to mop up any extra sauce from your plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the skillet.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne or rigatoni would work just as well.

Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Baked Ziti Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F so it's ready to go when you are. While that's heating up, get your pasta water boiling and cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain it well and set it aside for now.

In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Once it's shimmering, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté until it's fragrant—this only takes about a minute, so keep an eye on it. Add the spinach and chopped artichoke hearts to the skillet. Cook everything together until the spinach wilts down nicely.

Now, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the cooked ziti, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, and your spinach-artichoke mixture. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix it all up until everything is well combined.

Transfer this delicious mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. It's hard not to peek, but trust me, it'll be worth the wait!

Once it's out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil. This little touch adds a burst of freshness and color.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and creamy with a perfect cheese pull.
  • Incorporates healthy greens without sacrificing flavor.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknights.
  • Customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

1 lb ziti pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions; drain.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
5. Stir in spinach and chopped artichoke hearts, cook until spinach wilts.
6. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, and the spinach-artichoke mixture.
7. Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes; mix well.
8. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
9. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
11. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

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