Delicious Baked Ziti with Spinach, Artichokes, and Pesto

Oh man, let me tell you about this baked ziti… It’s just one of those dishes that wraps you up in warmth, like a hug from your grandma! Spinach and artichokes make it feel a bit fancy, but still cozy enough for a weeknight dinner. The smell wafting through your kitchen? It’s pure comfort food! Seriously, it’s kind of a party favorite, and you’d never guess it’s packed with greens. You’re gonna want to dig right in… trust me!

Why You’ll Crave It

• Comfort food at its finest, super cheesy and delicious.
• Those layers of spinach and artichokes add color and goodness.
• Perfect for feeding a crowd, or just a hungry family.
• Leftovers are even better—if you manage to have any!
• It’s versatile; you can swap in whatever veggies you have on hand.

The first time I made this for my friends, they totally cleaned out the dish!

What You’ll Need

• Ziti pasta: 12 ounces – the star of the show, al dente is key!
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon – a drizzle for sautéing, adds richness.
• Fresh spinach: 4 cups – think vibrant and fresh!
• Canned artichoke hearts: 1 can (14 ounces), drained and chopped – a nice tangy bite.
• Pesto: 1 cup – basil bliss, brings everything together.
• Marinara sauce: 24 ounces – the classic, can’t have baked ziti without it.
• Ricotta cheese: 15 ounces – for that creamy layer, yum!
• Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups, shredded – always extra cheese, right?
• Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, grated – for some nutty goodness on top.
• Salt and pepper: to taste – you know, just for seasoning.

Easy How-To

Getting Started

First up, preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C), yeah? While that’s heating up, boil a pot of salted water and cook your ziti, following the package instructions. You want it al dente since it’ll finish cooking in the oven. Once it’s done, drain it and set aside… that’s all just the beginning!

Making the Sauce

Grab a large bowl, and toss in your chopped artichokes, spinach, pesto, and ricotta cheese. Mix it all up really well… it’s okay to get a bit messy here—trust me, it’s worth it!

Bringing It Together

Now here’s the fun part: take that ziti and add it to your bowl of sauce goodness. Gently fold everything together—this is where you really want each piece of pasta to get coated nicely, so it’s full of flavor. Cozy vibes happening already!

Layering Up

Next, transfer half of this glorious mixture into a baking dish, like a 9×13-inch one… Sprinkle half of that melting mozzarella on top, then add the rest of the pasta mixture, and finally, the rest of the mozzarella. Yes, it’s a cheesy miracle!

Baking Time

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Then take the foil off and let it bake for another 10-15 minutes. Oh, just wait until you see the cheese bubbling and turning golden… so good!

Serving It Up

Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You want to savor the moment as that steam rises and fills your kitchen… Yum!

Good to Know

• You can totally swap out the veggies based on what you have; zucchini or bell peppers work great too!
• Want to make it extra hearty? Toss in some cooked chicken or sausage for protein.

Serving Ideas

• Serve alongside a simple green salad and some crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.

Top Tricks

• Save some extra cheese for topping right before baking for that ooey-gooey finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with whatever veggies you love or have on hand—this dish is all about flexibility.

How can I make it vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, thanks to all those beautiful veggies and cheeses!

Can I prepare it in advance?

For sure! You can assemble everything and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just don’t forget to give it a little extra time in the oven, since it’ll be cold.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

Classic mozzarella is great, but you could mix in a bit of provolone or make it fun with a sprinkle of feta for a twist!

Can I freeze baked ziti?

Yes, definitely! It freezes really well. Just cool it completely, wrap it up tight, and it’ll be good to go for up to three months.

Conclusion

This baked ziti is such a warm and welcoming dish, you guys. The combination of spinach, artichokes, and pesto… mmm, it really just elevates the whole experience. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings and you’ll probably be asked for the recipe. Enjoy making this comforting, cheesy goodness—every bite feels like home!

More Recipe Suggestions and Combinations

Cheesy Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Add some broccoli to your classic mac and cheese for a fun twist… the creaminess with the pasta is a hit!

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Fill large pasta shells with spinach and ricotta, then top with marinara for a delightful dish.

Pesto Pasta Salad

Mix your favorite pasta shapes with fresh veggies and the vibrant taste of pesto—super refreshing!

Artichoke and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip

Blend artichokes with sun-dried tomatoes for a creamy dip that’s perfect with crusty bread.

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

For something lighter, spiralize zucchini and toss with pesto for a fresh, healthy meal option—add shrimp or chicken if that’s your thing!