Recipes › Pasta › Spinach Ziti Recipe

Spinach Ziti Recipe

Recipe by Pedro M. A. Neves

This spinach ziti recipe brings together tender pasta with a vibrant spinach and ricotta sauce, creating a comforting yet elegant Italian main course. Fresh spinach is wilted into a creamy ricotta base and tossed with ziti, then topped with melted mozzarella and nutmeg for warmth and depth. A simple yet satisfying dish that celebrates the earthy flavors of Italian home cooking.

Ingredients

• 400g ziti pasta
• 500g fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 250g whole milk ricotta cheese
• 150g whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 50g Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 60ml (1/4 cup) extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 30ml (2 tablespoons) pasta water, reserved

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, approximately 9-11 minutes. Reserve 30ml of pasta water before draining.

2. While pasta cooks, heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.

3. Add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet in batches, stirring and allowing each batch to wilt before adding more. Cook for 3-4 minutes until all spinach is tender and any excess moisture has evaporated.

4. Reduce heat to low. Add ricotta cheese to the skillet with the wilted spinach. Stir gently to combine, breaking up any large ricotta clumps. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and freshly grated nutmeg.

5. Add the drained ziti pasta to the skillet with the spinach-ricotta mixture. Pour in the reserved pasta water and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all pasta evenly. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce clings to the pasta.

6. Transfer the spinach ziti to a serving dish or individual plates. Top immediately with shredded mozzarella cheese and additional grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. The residual heat will partially melt the cheese.

Substitutions

• Replace ricotta with mascarpone cheese for a richer, slightly sweeter sauce
• Substitute fresh spinach with 300g frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry, for convenience
• Use whole wheat ziti for added fiber and a nuttier flavor
• Replace mozzarella with fontina cheese for a deeper, more complex taste

Tips

• Do not overcook the spinach; it should be just wilted and tender to maintain its vibrant color and nutritional value
• Reserve pasta water before draining; the starch in the water helps the sauce cling to the pasta and creates a silkier texture
• Freshly grate nutmeg just before use for the most aromatic and authentic flavor in this dish

Spinach and ricotta are classic Italian ingredients celebrated in regions like Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, where simple, quality ingredients are transformed into beloved comfort dishes. This spinach ziti recipe reflects the Italian philosophy of letting fresh, seasonal vegetables shine alongside creamy cheeses and pasta.

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