Spinach and Mozzarella Baked Ziti

Name: Spinach and Mozzarella Baked Ziti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz ziti pasta; 2 cups tomato sauce; 5 oz fresh spinach; 1.5 cups, shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 cloves, minced garlic; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 cup, grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

A comforting pasta dish layered with fresh spinach, melted mozzarella, and tomato sauce, perfect for simple family meals.

Cuisine: Italian

Category: Pasta

Prep: 20 minutes. Cook: 35 minutes.

Serves 6.

Ingredients

12 oz ziti pasta
2 cups tomato sauce
5 oz fresh spinach
1.5 cups, shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cloves, minced garlic
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup, grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook 12 oz ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
Step 2: In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Stir 2 cups tomato sauce, 5 oz fresh spinach, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper into the skillet. Simmer for 3 minutes until spinach wilts.
Step 4: In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread 1 cup tomato sauce mixture evenly. Layer 1/3 of the cooked ziti, then 1/2 of the remaining tomato sauce mixture, and 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella.
Step 5: Repeat layers: 1/3 ziti, 1/2 tomato sauce mixture, 3/4 cup mozzarella, then remaining ziti and 1/2 cup mozzarella on top.
Step 6: Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated parmesan over the top. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.