Ziti Baked with Spinach Tomatoes and Smoked Gouda
Indulge in the hearty and flavorful comfort of Ziti Baked with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Smoked Gouda—a crave-worthy casserole that combines tender ziti pasta with layers of vibrant vegetables and creamy, smoky cheeses. Fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes add color and a burst of freshness, while a luscious blend of ricotta, smoked Gouda, and Parmesan infuses rich, cheesy decadence into every bite. A hint of garlic, crushed red pepper, and oregano elevates the flavor profile, making it both comforting and sophisticated. This satisfying baked pasta is finished with a golden, bubbly cheese crust and is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Ready in under an hour, it serves six and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 cup milk
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the cherry tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and milk, stirring until smooth. Add 1 cup of the smoked Gouda cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the spinach and tomato mixture. Dollop and spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture on top.
Repeat the layering process with the remaining ziti, spinach and tomato mixture, and ricotta cheese mixture.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of smoked Gouda cheese and the rest of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Ziti Baked with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Smoked Gouda!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3324 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 163.2 g | 209% | |
| Saturated Fat | 88.4 g | 442% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 522 mg | 174% | |
| Sodium | 5973 mg | 260% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 310.3 g | 113% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.0 g | 96% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.6 g | ||
| Protein | 178.0 g | 356% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.1 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 4405 mg | 339% | |
| Iron | 23.0 mg | 128% | |
| Potassium | 1553 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
