Oh, the joy of coming home after a long, grueling day and being greeted by the comforting aroma of a quick chicken dinner—it’s like a warm hug in culinary form. Whether you’re in the mood for something zesty or just a simple, hearty meal, these recipes promise speed without sacrificing flavor. (Last Tuesday, I swear I whipped up a dish so good, I almost believed my kitchen had turned into a five-star restaurant!)
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and spread ½ cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, minced garlic, lemon zest, oregano, red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper.
- Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain the pasta.
- Return the empty pot to the stove over low heat, add a drizzle of olive oil, and sauté the spinach for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted. Remove the spinach, gently squeeze out excess water, coarsely chop, and set aside.
- Combine the cooked pasta, remaining marinara sauce, most of the chopped spinach, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, and additional pepper in the pot. Toss everything together until well mixed.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture in the prepared baking dish, add spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture and the remaining spinach, then top with the rest of the pasta.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and pecorino cheese over the pasta, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 16 to 22 minutes until the cheese is browned.
- Once baked, garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving hot.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (32 ounces) marinara sauce
- 2 cups (16 ounces) ricotta cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt, plus additional for pasta water
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- 1 pound fresh spinach
- 1½ cups smoked mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
FAQ
- What are some quick and easy dinner recipes for busy weeknights?
- There are plenty of options, such as roasted veggie tacos with a creamy sauce, baked feta, comforting pasta ready in under 30 minutes, and sheet pan gnocchi that cooks alongside fresh veggies and feta cheese.
- How can I make a healthy one-pan meal?
- You can try recipes like sheet pan gnocchi or chana masala. These meals are designed to be cooked in one pot or pan, making them easy to prepare and clean up.
- Are there any vegetarian-friendly pasta dishes?
- Yes, there are several vegetarian pasta options such as stuffed shells with ricotta and spinach, zucchini pasta with a light sauce, and pasta primavera with colorful vegetables.
- What are some dinner-worthy soups that are simple to prepare?
- Minestrone soup, broccoli cheddar soup, and tortellini soup are all hearty and simple options that can be made quickly for dinner.
- Can you suggest a Mexican-inspired dinner idea?
- Mexican-inspired dishes like easy enchiladas, mushroom tacos, and vegan burritos are great options for a flavorful and satisfying dinner.
Tips
- Use Fresh Spinach: Opt for fresh spinach instead of frozen to prevent excess moisture in your baked ziti. Sauté it briefly to wilt, then squeeze out any extra water before incorporating it into the dish.
- Cook Pasta to Al Dente: Ensure your pasta is cooked to al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven. This helps maintain a pleasant texture in the finished dish.
- Layering Technique: For even distribution of flavors, layer the pasta, ricotta, and spinach carefully. This ensures every bite is packed with taste.
- Cheese Browning Tip: For a nicely browned cheese topping, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the cheese before baking. This will help achieve a golden, bubbly crust.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish – Essential for assembling and baking the baked ziti.
- Large Pot – Necessary for cooking the pasta.
- Medium Mixing Bowl – Used for mixing the ricotta cheese with other ingredients.
- Garlic Press – Useful for mincing garlic cloves efficiently.
- Zester or Microplane – Needed for zesting lemons.
- Colander – For draining the cooked pasta.
- Chef’s Knife – Required for chopping ingredients like spinach.
