Have you ever stumbled upon a dish so delightful it feels like a love letter to your taste buds? This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is just that—creamy, savory, and utterly irresistible. It’s the kind of meal that makes you wonder why you’ve spent so much time on anything else, like seriously, why bother with other recipes?
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and spread ½ cup of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a 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 reaches an al dente texture, then drain the pasta.
- Return the pot to the stove on low heat, drizzle with olive oil, and sauté the spinach for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted. Remove the spinach, squeeze out excess water, chop coarsely, and set aside.
- Add the pasta back to the pot along with the remaining marinara sauce, most of the chopped spinach, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Layer half of the pasta in the baking dish, add dollops of the ricotta mixture, the remaining spinach, and then the rest of the pasta. Top with mozzarella and pecorino cheese.
- Drizzle the top with olive oil and bake for 16 to 22 minutes until the cheese is golden brown. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve while 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 quick and easy dinner ideas for busy weeknights?
- There are numerous quick and easy dinner options such as sesame soba noodles, veggie frittatas, or sheet pan gnocchi. These meals are not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor and can be ready in under 30 minutes.
- How can I make a healthy and satisfying soup for dinner?
- You can try making a classic minestrone soup or broccoli cheddar soup. Both are filled with nutritious ingredients like pasta, beans, and vegetables, providing a hearty and satisfying meal in a bowl.
- What are some vegetarian options for dinner?
- Some delicious vegetarian dinner ideas include vegetarian lasagna, stuffed sweet potatoes, or a Mediterranean quinoa bowl. These dishes are flavorful, filling, and perfect for a meatless meal.
- Can I make a quick pasta dish for dinner?
- Yes, pasta dishes like pasta primavera or zucchini pasta are great for a quick dinner. They are easy to make on the stovetop and can be ready in about 30 minutes.
- What are some Mexican-inspired dinner ideas?
- For a Mexican flair, consider making easy enchiladas, mushroom tacos, or a vegan burrito. These dishes are flavorful and often feature ingredients like black beans, cheese, and fresh garnishes like avocado and jalapeños.
Tips
- Pre-Cook Spinach Carefully: When sautéing spinach, do it in small batches if needed. This ensures it wilts evenly without overcooking. Squeeze out excess moisture after cooking to prevent the dish from becoming watery.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure the pasta is cooked to an al dente texture. This prevents it from becoming mushy when baked and helps maintain the dish’s overall structure.
- Layer with Precision: When assembling the baked ziti, carefully layer the ingredients. Evenly distribute ricotta and spinach to ensure that each bite is balanced with flavor.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the dish while baking. The cheese should be bubbly and slightly browned. This ensures the flavors meld perfectly without overcooking.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
- Large Pot (suitable for boiling pasta)
- Medium Mixing Bowl
