Baked Ziti with Spinach and Ricotta

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) ziti pasta

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Boil ziti in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce:
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onion; sauté 3–4 minutes until soft.
   Stir in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 10–12 minutes.

3. Combine Filling:
   In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan.

4. Assemble:
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   In a greased 9×13 pan, layer half the cooked ziti, half the sauce, and half the ricotta-spinach mixture. Repeat layers.
   Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

5. Bake:
   Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–12 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

6. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.