Gratineed Ziti
A hearty baked ziti dish featuring a flavorful tomato sauce, fresh spinach, and melted mozzarella, perfect for comforting family dinners and Italian cuisine lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 3 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil ⓘ
- 1 (35 oz.) can Italian peeled tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 10 oz. dried ziti ⓘ
- 1 lb. fresh spinach, stems discarded, washed, and chopped ⓘ
- 6 oz. part skim mozzarella cheese, diced ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the onion and garlic in olive oil until the onion is soft.
- Break up the canned peeled tomatoes and add them with their juice to the skillet.
- Stir in crushed red pepper.
- Increase the heat and boil the sauce until the liquid has evaporated, about 18 minutes.
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper.
- Keep the sauce warm while cooking the ziti.
- Cook the dried ziti in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, the tomato sauce, chopped spinach, and diced mozzarella.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the sauce. If fresh spinach isn't available, frozen spinach can be used; just thaw and drain it well before adding. For a creamier texture, you can substitute half of the mozzarella with ricotta cheese. This dish can also be made with other pasta shapes if ziti is not on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Gratineed Ziti with a light side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a slice of crusty baguette also pairs nicely. For a complete Italian meal, consider serving with a side of Italian Bisquittes for a delightful touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gratineed Ziti contains roughly 1834 calories, with 15g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 180g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (37% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1772mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ziti and sauce ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for the mozzarella cheese?
If you want to switch it up, you can use provolone or fontina cheese for a different flavor. Goat cheese can also add a tangy twist. Just ensure that any cheese you choose melts well to maintain the creamy texture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Gratineed Ziti is a great vegetarian option as it features pasta, spinach, and tomato sauce without any meat. It's perfect for those looking for hearty vegetarian recipes that are filling and delicious.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).