Chicken dinners—what’s not to love? Some nights, you just need something quick and satisfying, like a warm hug on a plate. Remember that time last week when everyone was raving about that simple roast chicken? Yeah, this is gonna be like that, but faster.
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 bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, minced garlic, lemon zest, oregano, red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon of salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water following the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Return the pot to the stove on low heat, drizzle some olive oil, and add the spinach. Sauté the spinach for 1 to 2 minutes until just wilted, then remove from heat, squeeze out excess water, coarsely chop, and set aside.
- Place the drained pasta back in the pot, add the remaining marinara sauce, most of the chopped spinach, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and fresh black pepper, and toss everything together until well combined.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, add dollops of the ricotta mixture, the remaining spinach, and then layer the rest of the pasta on top.
- Top the pasta with smoked mozzarella and grated pecorino cheese, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 16 to 22 minutes until the cheese is browned.
- Once baked, garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve the dish 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 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 easy dinner ideas for busy weeknights?
- If you’re in need of quick and simple dinner recipes, consider options like roasted veggie tacos, baked feta, or a comforting pasta dish ready in under 30 minutes. These meals are designed to be flavorful yet easy to prepare, perfect for busy evenings.
- Can I make a healthy meal with minimal cleanup?
- Yes, one-pan meals like Sheet Pan Gnocchi or Chana Masala are great choices. These dishes not only simplify the cooking process but also minimize cleanup, making them ideal for a hassle-free dinner.
- What are some vegetarian-friendly dinner options?
- For vegetarian dinners, you can try dishes like Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Easy Black Bean Burger, or Vegetarian Lasagna. These recipes are not only meat-free but also packed with flavor and nutrients.
- How can I incorporate more vegetables into my dinner?
- Consider making dishes like Pasta Primavera or Stuffed Zucchini Boats, which are loaded with vegetables. These meals are not only nutritious but also offer a vibrant and satisfying dining experience.
- Are there quick pasta recipes for a weeknight meal?
- Absolutely! Options like Easy Baked Ziti, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, or Mushroom Pasta provide delicious and quick pasta solutions. These recipes are designed to deliver rich flavors in a short amount of time.
Tips
- Prep Ingredients in Advance: To streamline the cooking process, prepare all your ingredients before starting. Chop the garlic, zest the lemon, and measure out the herbs and cheeses so that everything is ready to go when you begin cooking.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure the pasta is cooked to an al dente texture—firm to the bite—by following the package instructions closely. This will prevent the pasta from becoming too soft during baking.
- Sauté Spinach in Batches: If you’re working with a lot of spinach, sauté it in small batches to ensure even wilting. This technique helps maintain the spinach’s vibrant color and flavor.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to personalize the baked ziti by adding additional toppings like sliced mushrooms or bell peppers before baking, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley after baking for an extra flavor boost.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish – If you don’t already own one, this is essential for baking the ziti.
- Large Pot – Necessary for boiling the pasta.
- Colander – For draining the pasta.
- Medium Bowl – For mixing the ricotta cheese mixture.
- Chef’s Knife – For chopping spinach and other ingredients.
- Cutting Board – For preparing ingredients like garlic and spinach.
