Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 15 ounce ricotta cheese
• 10 ounce frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 egg
• 2 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
3. While water heats, combine ricotta cheese, thawed spinach, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Stir until well combined.
4. Add ziti pasta to boiling water and cook for 2 minutes less than package directions (pasta should be al dente). Drain in a colander and set aside.
5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce (about 1/2 cup) on the bottom of a 9x13 baking pan.
6. Add the cooked ziti to the ricotta-spinach mixture and toss to coat evenly.
7. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
8. Pour the remaining marinara sauce (about 1.5 cups) evenly over the pasta.
9. In a small bowl, mix shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese together.
10. Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the top of the pasta.
11. Cover the baking pan loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden brown and cheese is bubbling at the edges.
13. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
14. Garnish with fresh basil if using, then serve hot.