Midsummer Special! Spinach Ziti

Spice up your ziti with this vegetarian friendly version. You could also try this with a little broccoli, if that's your thing.



Since it is summertime, while I write this I suggest that you use fresh spinach (approximately 3-4 cups).

What you need:
Box of Ziti noodles
1 can of your favorite tomato sauce (26 oz)
15 oz (small container) of Ricotta cheese
1/2 bag of frozen spinach (see notes)
1/2 cup of Parmesan Cheese
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
**Optional** Season the top of your ziti with a little dried oregano and parsley.

**Notes** i. Try this with a simple Nubsauce. I used 1 can of diced, Italian Tomatoes, and 1 can of unseasoned sauce. I seasoned my sauce with 2 cloves of garlic, salt and pepper, sweet basil, and thyme. Just season to taste.

ii. If you are working with frozen spinach, here is what you want to do. First, heat, but do not cook the spinach it in the microwave. Really, you're defrosting it for approximately 3 minutes, and squeeze out the excess water. This is really why you do not want to cook it, or you will have to wait for it to cool before you can remove the excess water.

Step 1. Grab a large pot and fill 3/4 of the way with water. Add a little salt, cover, and bring to a boil (this will take about 10 minutes to boil). Return to WoW and play for the next 15-20 minutes.

Step 2. Pour a box of ziti noodles into the pot and mostly cover (leave enough space to vent and prevent it from boiling over). Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes. About half way through stir the noodles to prevent clumps. Return to the game. After the full 8-10 minutes is up, test a noodle to make sure that they are soft.

Step 3. Drain the pot. Add some cold water to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom. Squish them, and drain them again.

Step 4. Add a small container (15 oz) of ricotta cheese. If you have the large container use about 1/2.

Step 5. Add half a can of tomato sauce, or your own Nubsauce. Also add in the heated spinach.

Stir contents evenly.

Step 6. Using a large rectangular baking pan (9.5"x13" or so), pour noodles and spread evenly.

Step 7. Coat with a thin layer of Parmesan cheese.

Step 8. Coat with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 9. Sprinkle with a little garlic powder and a little parsley and oregano.

Step 10. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.



Enjoy! Your wife will love you for making this, and you'll be happy that you were able to continue playing!



More Pasta Ideas!
Manicotti Made Easy, Spinach and Sausage Mostaccioli, WoW Ziti Dinner, Midsummer Special! Spinach Ziti, Nubsauce, My Favorite Ravioli, Chicken and Mushroom Linguine, FTW Lasagna, North American Goulash.