Lemon Ricotta Baked Ziti with Spinach

Name: Lemon Ricotta Baked Ziti with Spinach
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Cuisine: Deutsch
Ingredients: 1 pound Ziti pasta; 1 tablespoon Olive oil; 4 cloves Garlic, minced; 10 ounces Fresh spinach; 15 ounces Ricotta cheese; 1 large Egg; 1 tablespoon Lemon zest; 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice; 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping; 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1 teaspoon Salt, or to taste; 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper, or to taste

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This Lemon Ricotta Baked Ziti with Spinach offers a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. Ziti pasta is tossed in a rich, creamy sauce made with ricotta cheese, fresh lemon zest and juice, and sautéed garlic spinach. Layered with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then baked to golden perfection, this dish is both indulgent and refreshingly bright. It's a fantastic vegetarian option that's sure to please the whole family, especially as a warming dish in March.

speichern

Prep Time20 min

Cook Time30 min

Servings6-8 servings

DifficultyMedium

Equipment

9x13 inch baking dishLarge potLarge skilletMixing bowls

Instructions

1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add fresh spinach in batches, stirring until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then squeeze out any excess water and coarsely chop.
3
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed. Fold in the chopped spinach.
4
Add the cooked ziti pasta to the ricotta mixture and toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
5
Spread half of the ziti mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with half of the remaining mozzarella cheese. Layer with the rest of the ziti mixture, and then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese and a little extra Parmesan cheese.
6
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories480 kcal

Protein28g

Fat20g

Carbohydrates

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add meat to this dish?

Yes, you can easily add cooked shredded chicken or browned ground beef (fully cooked and drained) to the ricotta mixture for a non-vegetarian option.

What if I don't have ziti pasta?

Any tubular pasta like penne, rigatoni, or even rotini would work well as a substitute for ziti. Just ensure it's cooked al dente.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

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RECIPE BY

Leckere Rezepte

We are a team of passionate cooks and food enthusiasts.