Looking for a delicious and satisfying vegetarian pasta dish? Look no further than Spinach and Artichoke Baked Ziti! This hearty and flavorful recipe combines the vibrant taste of spinach and the creamy texture of artichokes with a cheesy baked ziti pasta. It’s a perfect choice for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.
The star of this dish is the combination of spinach and artichokes, which brings a wonderful depth of flavor to the ziti. Spinach adds a healthy dose of leafy green goodness and gives the dish a vibrant color, while artichokes add a unique tangy and slightly sweet taste. The creamy cheese sauce ties everything together, making every bite rich and satisfying.
To make this Spinach and Artichoke Baked Ziti, start by boiling your pasta until al dente. While the pasta cooks, sauté some garlic and onion in a pan until fragrant. Then, add in the spinach and artichoke hearts and cook until wilted. In a separate saucepan, melt some butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk and simmer until the mixture thickens. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, then combine the sauce with the cooked pasta, spinach, and artichokes. Transfer everything to a baking dish, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly.
Ingredients
- Pasta: The base of this dish is ziti pasta, which is a tube-shaped pasta that holds the flavors of the sauce well.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a vibrant green color and a healthy boost of nutrients to the dish.
- Artichoke hearts: Canned artichoke hearts bring a unique texture and tangy flavor to the baked ziti.
- Cream cheese: Cream cheese adds richness and creaminess to the sauce, making it velvety and delicious.
- Sour cream: Sour cream adds a tangy flavor to the sauce and helps to enhance the creaminess of the dish.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese is melted on top of the baked ziti to create a golden and cheesy crust.
- Garlic and onion: These aromatic ingredients provide a savory base for the sauce and add depth of flavor.
- Seasonings: Various seasonings such as salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning are used to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Chicken broth: Chicken broth is used to thin out the sauce and keep the pasta moist.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top of the baked ziti to add a salty and nutty flavor.
By combining these ingredients together, you’ll create a delicious and satisfying Spinach and Artichoke Baked Ziti that is perfect for a comforting meal.
Instructions
To make Spinach and Artichoke Baked Ziti, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Now, let’s get started with the instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add the chopped artichoke hearts and thawed spinach to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes until heated through.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to combine.
- Add the sautéed onion, garlic, artichoke, and spinach mixture to the bowl with the pasta and cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with additional chopped basil, if desired, and enjoy!
Rich in vitamins and minerals
Spinach: Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that is a great source of vitamins and minerals. It is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, and folate. These vitamins play a vital role in maintaining a strong immune system, promoting healthy vision, and supporting proper blood clotting. Spinach is also a good source of minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium, which are essential for healthy bones, muscle function, and energy production.
Artichoke: Artichokes are a unique vegetable that offer numerous health benefits. They are a rich source of fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut. Artichokes are also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. Additionally, artichokes contain a variety of minerals including potassium, magnesium, and manganese, which are important for maintaining proper nerve function, healthy bones, and a balanced metabolism.
| Vitamins | Spinach | Artichoke |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Vitamin A | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Vitamin K | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Folate | ✔️ | ✔️ |
- Spinach and artichoke provide essential vitamins and minerals necessary for maintaining good health.
- Spinach is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, and folate.
- Artichokes are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.
- Both spinach and artichokes contain minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium.
- Incorporating spinach and artichokes into your diet can support a strong immune system, promote healthy digestion, and contribute to overall well-being.
