Every evening, the dinner table transforms into a canvas of flavors, colors, and textures. Tonight, why not try something unexpected yet nourishing? The path to a healthy meal doesn’t have to be tedious. With a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of simplicity, dinner becomes a delightful experience—like catching a surprise sunset after a rainy day.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and spread ½ cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium 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 boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente; then drain the water.
- Return the pot to the stove over low heat, drizzle with olive oil, and add the spinach, sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat, squeeze out excess water, and chop coarsely.
- Put the pasta back in the pot with the remaining marinara, most of the chopped spinach, ¼ teaspoon of sea salt, and more black pepper, tossing well to combine.
- Layer half the pasta in the prepared baking dish, add spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture, the remaining spinach, and then the rest of the pasta.
- Sprinkle the top with smoked mozzarella and pecorino cheese, drizzle with olive oil, and bake until the cheese is golden brown, approximately 16 to 22 minutes.
- 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 extra 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
FAQ
- What are some quick and easy dinner ideas for busy weeknights?
- Some quick and easy dinner ideas include roasted veggie tacos, sesame soba noodles, and sheet pan gnocchi. These recipes are designed to be both simple to prepare and flavorful, making them perfect for a busy schedule.
- Can I make a comforting meal in under 30 minutes?
- Yes, you can prepare comforting meals like creamy broccoli cheddar soup and luxurious baked feta pasta in under 30 minutes. These dishes are both hearty and quick to make, ensuring a warm and satisfying dinner in no time.
- Are there any vegetarian dinner options that are filling and delicious?
- Absolutely! Vegetarian options like stuffed peppers, veggie frittata, and vegetarian lasagna are not only delicious but also quite filling. They incorporate a variety of flavors and ingredients to ensure a satisfying meat-free meal.
- What are some healthy one-pan meal ideas?
- Healthy one-pan meals such as chana masala, baked feta with chickpeas, and cauliflower fried rice are excellent choices. These meals minimize cleanup while still offering nutritious and tasty options.
- How can I make a quick pasta dish that’s also healthy?
- For a healthy pasta dish, try recipes like zucchini pasta or creamy vegan pasta. These dishes incorporate fresh vegetables and plant-based ingredients, providing a nutritious take on classic pasta meals.
Tips
- To ensure your pasta is perfectly cooked, boil it until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming too soft after baking.
- When preparing the spinach, sauté it quickly just until wilted and squeeze out any excess water. This step keeps your spinach from making the dish watery.
- To enhance the flavor, mix fresh basil or parsley into the ricotta mixture before baking, and save some for garnishing the dish just before serving.
- For an extra crispy top layer, consider using a mix of smoked mozzarella and pecorino cheese. Drizzle a little olive oil on top before baking to help achieve a golden-brown finish.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
- Large Pot (suitable for boiling pasta)
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- Garlic Press or Mincer
- Grater (for cheese and lemon zest)
- Oven Thermometer (optional, for accurate oven temperature)
- Colander (for draining pasta)
