Tender ziti layered with ricotta, spinach, olives, and rich marinara sauce baked to golden perfection.
# Ingredient List:
→ Pasta
01 - 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
→ Vegetables
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 6 ounces fresh baby spinach
→ Cheese & Dairy
06 - 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
07 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
08 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1 large egg
→ Sauce
10 - 24 ounces marinara sauce
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
13 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
14 - Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Olives
15 - 1/2 cup Kalamata or black olives, pitted and sliced
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti until just al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onion until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
04 - In a large bowl, mix ricotta, egg, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Fold in the cooked spinach mixture and sliced olives.
05 - Add marinara sauce and cooked pasta to the bowl. Gently fold to combine evenly.
06 - Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly on top.
07 - Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
08 - Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
