After a whirlwind day of meetings and errands, the last thing you want is a culinary marathon in the kitchen—unless it involves a marathon of your favorite show in the background. Quick dinners aren’t just a convenience; they’re a reluctant ode to the chaos of our lives. Picture this: a sizzling skillet, the aroma of garlic dancing in the air, and you, effortlessly whipping up a meal that’s both a time-saver and a comfort blanket for your taste buds.
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 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 until well combined.
- Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- In the same pot over low heat, drizzle a bit of olive oil and sauté the spinach for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted. Work in batches if needed, then remove the spinach, squeeze out excess water, chop it coarsely, and set it aside.
- Return the pasta to the pot, add the remaining marinara sauce, most of the chopped spinach, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and additional black pepper. Toss everything together until it is well mixed.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Add dollops of the ricotta mixture on top, followed by the remaining spinach, and then cover with the remaining pasta.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and pecorino cheese over the top layer, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 16 to 22 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown.
- 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 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?
- For those hectic evenings, consider trying a veggie frittata or sesame soba noodles, both of which can be prepared swiftly while still offering delicious flavors.
- Can I make a healthy dinner using pantry staples?
- Absolutely! Chana masala is a fragrant chickpea curry that can be made using pantry ingredients and is perfect for a quick, nutritious meal.
- How can I sneak more vegetables into family meals?
- A baked ziti with spinach is a great option. It includes an entire pound of spinach hidden among the pasta, sauce, and cheese, making it a smart way to add more veggies into a family-friendly dish.
- What’s a simple dinner option for pizza night at home?
- You can skip delivery and make a homemade veggie pizza. Top it with your favorite vegetables, mozzarella, and tomato sauce for a delightful and easy dinner.
- Are there any easy dinner recipes that kids will enjoy?
- Tortellini soup is a great choice for families with kids. The combination of chewy tortellini and aromatic vegetables makes it a satisfying and kid-friendly dinner option.
Tips
- Preventing Soggy Spinach: After sautéing the spinach, gently squeeze out excess moisture to ensure your dish doesn’t become watery.
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Make sure to cook the ziti until it’s just al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven, preventing it from becoming overly soft.
- Cheese Browning: For a beautifully browned cheese topping, consider broiling the dish for a minute or two at the end of the baking time, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Enhance Flavor with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, garnish with fresh basil or parsley to add a burst of freshness and vibrant color to your baked ziti.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish: This is used for baking the ziti.
- Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta; it’s possible that some households might not have a pot large enough for a pound of pasta.
- Medium Mixing Bowl: Used for combining ingredients like ricotta cheese, garlic, and spices.
