First things first, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. This is crucial as it ensures that your Baked Ziti gets that golden top we all love.
In a large cast iron or oven-safe pot, bring water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta in a colander, ensuring it doesn’t stick together.
Next, while the pasta is cooking, dice the onion and mince the garlic. Chop up the zucchini into bite-sized pieces. This prep work is essential for a smooth cooking process.
Once the pasta is done, use the same pot to add the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once heated, toss in the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent, filling your kitchen with a lovely aroma.
Now, add the minced garlic, zucchini, and spinach into the pot. Stir these together, allowing the spinach to wilt down, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to suit your taste!
Once the vegetables are ready, introduce the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and ricotta cheese into the mix. Stir well and bring everything to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.
With the sauce simmering, add the cooked ziti and half of the combined mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to the pot. Mix everything thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and cheese.
Once mixed, take the pot off the heat. Top your Baked Ziti with the remaining cheese, ensuring it gets that lovely melt in the oven.
Finally, place your pot in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 10 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to melt and turn a beautiful golden brown. Once it’s ready, take it out, let it cool slightly, and serve hot!
