This comforting Italian-American classic features al dente ziti pasta tossed in a rich, herb-infused marinara sauce, layered with a creamy ricotta-spinach blend, and topped with gooey melted mozzarella and salty parmesan. Perfect for family gatherings, this meatless casserole delivers deep, satisfying flavors using quality pantry staples and fresh aromatics, ensuring a golden, bubbly finish that everyone will enjoy.
16 oz Ziti pasta
24 oz High-quality marinara sauce
15 oz Ricotta cheese
3 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup Freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 cups Fresh spinach, roughly chopped
2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp Dried oregano
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the ziti until al dente.
Drain the pasta thoroughly, reserving 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, half of the parmesan, and the chopped spinach.
Toss the cooked ziti with the marinara sauce, the reserved pasta water, and the dried oregano.
Spread half of the pasta mixture into a baking dish, then dollop the ricotta mixture over the top.
Add the remaining pasta and cover with shredded mozzarella and the rest of the parmesan.
Bake for 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Substitute penne if ziti is unavailable. Shred mozzarella by hand for superior melting quality. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Find it online: https://itisrecipes.com/vegetarian-baked-ziti/