This Baked Ziti with Spinach and Artichokes is a comforting and easy-to-make dish with layers of ziti, creamy sour cream pesto, and gooey melted mozzarella. It requires just 15 minutes of hands-on time and makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknights or gatherings, this dish is sure to please everyone!
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dry pasta (ziti, penne, or rigatoni)
- Salt, to taste
- 3 cups marinara sauce (or 1 (28-ounce) jar store-bought sauce)
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 3/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
- 10 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup canned or jarred artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, coarsely grated (about 1 cup)
Directions:
1. Prepare the Ziti:
- Preheat Oven:
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 3-quart baking dish or spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 1 pound dry pasta and cook it according to package instructions, but 1 to 2 minutes less than called for, so the pasta is al dente.
- Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Warm the Marinara:
- While the pasta cooks, warm 3 cups marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Make the Pesto Mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup basil pesto and 3/4 cup sour cream until well combined.
- Combine Pasta with Spinach and Artichokes:
- In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, 10 ounces fresh spinach, 1 cup chopped artichokes, the warmed marinara sauce, and the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the spinach has wilted and the ingredients are well mixed.
2. Assemble and Bake:
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Spoon half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the sour cream and pesto mixture evenly over the pasta and scatter half of the grated mozzarella on top.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and press everything down gently into the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet (to catch any potential drips).
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the sauce is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the dish stand for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy baked ziti!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Garnish with extra basil pesto or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Cooking Tips:
- If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with cream cheese, cottage cheese, or ricotta cheese for a creamy texture.
- To make this dish ahead, you can assemble it, refrigerate it, and bake it just before serving.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Spinach is rich in iron and vitamins A and C, adding a nutritious boost to this dish.
- Artichokes are high in fiber and antioxidants, making this casserole a healthy, hearty meal.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 457
- Protein: 25.2g
- Carbohydrates: 62.1g
- Dietary Fiber: 9.6g
- Total Fat: 13.3g
- Saturated Fat: 4.9g
- Cholesterol: 23.3mg
- Sodium: 893mg
Storage:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze the assembled, unbaked dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Requires only 15 minutes of hands-on time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of pesto, sour cream, and mozzarella makes this baked ziti extra creamy and flavorful.
- Nutritious: Packed with spinach and artichokes, this dish offers a nutritious twist on traditional baked ziti.
Conclusion:
This Baked Ziti with Spinach and Artichokes is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s both easy to prepare and packed with nutrients. The creamy pesto-sour cream layer adds a delicious richness, while the spinach and artichokes provide a healthy, tasty boost. Perfect for a family dinner or gathering, this dish is sure to become a favorite!