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Ziti Baked with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Smoked Gouda by kcstar.com

Ziti Baked with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Smoked Gouda by kcstar.com

Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! This mouthwatering Ziti Baked with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Smoked Gouda is not just another pasta dish – it's a creamy, cheesy, flavor-packed journey that combines the richness of smoked Gouda, the freshness of spinach, and the classic comfort of baked ziti. Get ready to discover a recipe that will instantly become a staple in your meal rotation and leave everyone at the table completely satisfied.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings

Ingredients

  1. 1 lb ziti pasta
  2. 2 cups fresh spinach
  3. 1 can diced tomatoes
  4. 1 cup smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
  5. 1 cup ricotta cheese
  6. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  7. 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  8. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the oven is hot enough to bake the ziti evenly.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the spinach. If using fresh spinach, rinse it under cold water and chop it roughly. If you prefer, you can sauté the spinach in a little olive oil until wilted, but it can also be added fresh.
  4. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside. Make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, fresh spinach, diced tomatoes (with their juice), smoked Gouda cheese, ricotta cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Add the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
  6. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water to moisten it. The consistency should be creamy but not soupy.
  7. Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese on top for a golden crust.
  8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning, and place it in the preheated oven.
  9. Bake for about 20 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  10. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the dish set and make it easier to serve.
  11. Serve hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious Ziti Baked with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Smoked Gouda!

Tips

  1. Choose high-quality cheese: The smoked Gouda is the star of this dish, so invest in a good quality cheese for maximum flavor.
  2. Don't overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente to prevent mushy texture in the final baked dish.
  3. Reserve pasta water: The starchy cooking water helps create a creamy sauce and binds ingredients together.
  4. Customize your greens: Feel free to substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard if desired.
  5. For extra crispiness, broil the top for 2-3 minutes after baking to create a golden, crispy cheese crust.
  6. Make it ahead: This dish can be assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking, making it perfect for meal prep.
  7. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 450kcal

Carbohydrates: 55g

Protein: 22g

Fat: 18g

Saturated Fat: 10g

Cholesterol: 55mg

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