Description
Spinach Ziti is a comforting pasta dish combining hearty ziti, fresh spinach, and a creamy tomato sauce with a touch of nutmeg. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian meal or a dish to impress at dinner parties, this spinach ziti recipe is a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces ziti pasta
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 4 ounces fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook until al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
- Prepare Sauce: In a medium-sized pan, heat tomatoes and red pepper flakes over medium-low heat, breaking up tomatoes if necessary.
- Combine Ingredients: Add spinach, cream cheese, and nutmeg to the drained pasta. Cook over low heat, stirring, until spinach wilts (1-2 minutes).
- Finish & Serve: Pour the tomato sauce over the pasta mixture, gently stirring to combine. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add Protein: Try cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef for a heartier dish.
- Cheese Substitutes: Swap cream cheese with ricotta or mascarpone for a different texture.
- Make it Spicier: Increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
- Vegetable Additions: Enhance flavor with mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
