If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying pasta dish, look no further than this Baked Ziti recipe with Shrimp and Spinach. This flavorful combination of ingredients will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Not only is it incredibly tasty, but it’s also easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
To create this mouthwatering dish, start by cooking the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Meanwhile, sauté the shrimp in a skillet with garlic and olive oil until they are cooked through and beautifully seasoned. Next, wilt the spinach in the same skillet until it’s tender and vibrant green.
Once the pasta, shrimp, and spinach are ready, it’s time to assemble the dish. In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the shrimp and spinach mixture. Then, spread a layer of marinara sauce and sprinkle with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
Ingredients for Baked Ziti with Shrimp and Spinach
To make a delicious baked ziti with shrimp and spinach, you will need the following ingredients:
- Baked Ziti: 1 pound of ziti pasta
- Shrimp: 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp
- Spinach: 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves
- Cheese: 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Ricotta Cheese Mixture: 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil
- Sauce: 2 cups of marinara sauce
- Seasonings: 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste
These ingredients will come together to create a flavorful and hearty baked ziti dish. The combination of tender shrimp, nutritious spinach, and creamy cheeses will make this recipe a crowd-pleaser. The marinara sauce and seasonings will add depth of flavor to the dish. Don’t forget the ziti pasta, a staple ingredient in this classic Italian dish.
| Baked Ziti | 1 pound of ziti pasta |
|---|---|
| Shrimp | 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp |
| Spinach | 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves |
| Cheese | 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese |
| Ricotta Cheese Mixture | 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil |
| Sauce | 2 cups of marinara sauce |
| Seasonings | 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste |
Steps to Make Baked Ziti with Shrimp and Spinach
Step 1: Cook the Ziti Pasta
Start by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking the ziti pasta according to package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp and Spinach
In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the spinach and cook until it wilts, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the shrimp in olive oil until pink and opaque.
- Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce
In a separate saucepan, heat some olive oil and add minced garlic. Cook the garlic until fragrant, then add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
| Ingredients for Tomato Sauce: | Quantity: |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (28 oz) |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, cooked shrimp, wilted spinach, and tomato sauce. Mix everything together until the pasta and ingredients are well coated with the sauce.
Step 5: Bake the Ziti
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top it with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake the ziti in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving.
By following these simple steps, you can easily make a delicious baked ziti with shrimp and spinach. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress your guests with a flavorful pasta dish. Enjoy!
Tips for Serving Baked Ziti with Shrimp and Spinach
1. Garnish with Herbs: Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top of your baked ziti can provide a burst of flavor and a pop of color. Consider garnishing with chopped parsley, basil, or even a sprinkle of dried oregano. Not only will this enhance the visual appeal of the dish, but it will also add a fresh and aromatic touch to the flavor.
Tip: Try adding a small amount of finely grated lemon zest to the herbs for an extra layer of citrusy brightness.
2. Serve with Garlic Bread: Baked ziti is a hearty and rich dish, and it pairs perfectly with some crusty garlic bread on the side. The combination of the creamy pasta and the crispy bread adds a nice contrast of textures and flavors. You can either make your own garlic bread by spreading butter and minced garlic on sliced Italian bread and toasting it in the oven or purchase pre-made garlic bread from the store for convenience.
Tip: For an even more indulgent option, consider serving the baked ziti with garlic knots or cheesy garlic rolls.
3. Accompany with a Fresh Salad: Since the baked ziti is quite rich and heavy, serving it with a fresh and light salad can help balance out the meal. A simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta dish. The crispness and acidity of the salad will complement the flavors of the ziti and shrimp.
Tip: You can also add some sliced avocado or crumbled feta cheese to the salad for added creaminess and flavor.
By following these tips, you can elevate the presentation and taste of your Baked Ziti with Shrimp and Spinach. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these additions and accompaniments will take your dish to the next level.
