Juggling family life and work can feel like a never-ending circus act, right? Some days, I swear, the clock speeds up just to mess with me. But, amidst this chaos, there’s nothing like sitting down to a healthy dinner that doesn’t take forever to whip up.
Imagine the sizzle of veggies, the smell of garlic wafting through the house—pure heaven, even if it’s just for a moment. Let’s jump into these quick wonders.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and spread ½ cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, minced garlic, lemon zest, oregano, red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon of salt, and a few grinds of fresh black pepper.
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente, then drain the pasta.
- Return the pot to the stove, add a drizzle of olive oil over low heat, and sauté the spinach for 1 to 2 minutes until just wilted. Remove the spinach, squeeze out excess water, and chop coarsely.
- Place the drained pasta back in the pot, add the remaining marinara sauce, most of the chopped spinach, ¼ teaspoon of sea salt, and additional black pepper, and toss everything until well combined.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, add dollops of the ricotta mixture and the remaining spinach, then top with the rest of the pasta.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and pecorino cheese over the top, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 16 to 22 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.
- Serve the baked ziti hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
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 more for the 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 ideas for busy weeknights?
- Some quick dinner ideas include roasted veggie tacos, creamy pasta dishes, and sesame soba noodles. These meals are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor.
- Can I prepare any of these dinner recipes in advance?
- Yes, many of these recipes, such as the vegetarian lasagna and easy coconut curry, can be prepared in advance. This makes them perfect for meal prepping or when you’re short on time during the week.
- Are there vegetarian options available in the easy dinner ideas list?
- Absolutely! There are numerous vegetarian options, including veggie frittatas, black bean burgers, and stuffed peppers. These meals are hearty and satisfying without any meat.
- What are some healthy one-pan meals I can try?
- One-pan meals like sheet pan gnocchi and baked feta are excellent choices for healthy dinners. They are easy to make and require minimal cleanup, ideal for a busy schedule.
- Do these recipes cater to a plant-based diet?
- Yes, there are several plant-based recipes available, such as vegan tacos, vegan mac and cheese, and creamy vegan pasta. These dishes provide delicious alternatives for those following a plant-based diet.
Tips
- To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, ensure it’s cooked until just al dente before baking.
- Sauté the spinach only until it wilts slightly to maintain its vibrant color and texture.
- Gently squeeze out excess moisture from the spinach after cooking to avoid watering down the dish.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a drizzle of olive oil before baking to enhance the cheese’s browning.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
- Large Pot (for boiling pasta)
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- Garlic Press (optional, for mincing garlic)
- Colander (for draining pasta)
