Spinach Ziti Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting pasta dish that brings vibrant greens and cheesy goodness together, this Spinach Ziti Recipe is destined to become a favorite in your kitchen. With tender ziti pasta perfectly coated in a rich marinara and spinach sauce, layered with creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, and baked to bubbly perfection, every bite feels like a warm hug. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to serve friends and family, making it an absolute winner any time you want to satisfy pasta cravings with a healthy twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is the key to nailing the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this Spinach Ziti Recipe. Each one plays an essential role—from the pasta’s satisfying bite to the fresh spinach’s bright color and the cheeses’ creamy richness.

• 12 oz ziti pasta: Holds sauce well and has an ideal tubular shape for layering.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that awakens the sauce.
• 1 small onion, chopped: Delivers sweetness and depth when sautéed.
• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Offers a nutritious green boost and tender texture.
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce: The hearty base that ties the dish together with balanced tomato flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Infuses subtle herbal notes to elevate the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a classic Italian seasoning touch.
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a gentle kick for those who like a little heat.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out all flavors.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creates creamy, dreamy pockets of richness inside the bake.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts wonderfully to give a golden, gooey top.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty sharpness that complements the other cheeses.
• 1 egg: Binds the cheese mixture together perfectly.
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional): Makes the cheese layer luxuriously smooth and creamy.

How to Make Spinach Ziti Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta

First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This preheating ensures the ziti will bake evenly. Then, cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente, drain it well, and set it aside to wait patiently for its cheesy destiny.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Spinach

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they release their wonderful fragrance and soften, about 3 minutes. Next, add the chopped spinach and cook just until the leaves wilt softly, keeping their vibrant green color intact.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

To the skillet, pour in the marinara sauce, then stir in dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes if you like a little spice, and season with salt and black pepper. Simmer this beautiful sauce for about 5 minutes, letting all the flavors marry and deepen into something truly special.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, the egg, and heavy cream if using. Mix until the texture is smooth and luscious—this creamy mix will layer inside the ziti bake, offering indulgent cheesy pockets throughout.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Grab a large bowl and combine your cooked ziti with the warm spinach marinara sauce, mixing gently to coat evenly. Spread half of this pasta mixture in the prepared baking dish, then dollop the ricotta cheese mixture over the top in generous spoonfuls. Layer the remaining pasta on top, creating a delightful contrast of creamy and saucy textures.

Step 6: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the assembled layers. Cover the dish with foil and pop it into the oven to bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket that invites you to dig in.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once baked, let your Spinach Ziti Recipe cool for a few minutes outside the oven. This brief rest time lets the flavors settle and makes slicing a breeze. Then serve up generous portions with all the warm, cheesy goodness you created!

How to Serve Spinach Ziti Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes can brighten the hearty nature of the Spinach Ziti Recipe. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a touch of excitement to each plate.

Side Dishes

This baked ziti goes beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, cutting through the richness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also perfect companions, letting you soak up any extra sauce and enjoy every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Spinach Ziti Recipe in individual ramekins for charming personal servings that look impressive on the table. Alternatively, add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers inside to introduce new flavor dimensions. You can even sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy, golden crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen even more after a day or two, making reheated leftovers just as satisfying as fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of the baked Spinach Ziti Recipe before baking or after it has cooled, wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. Frozen, it keeps well for up to 2 months, making it a convenient no-fuss meal for busy days.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve the texture and melt the cheese nicely. Alternatively, microwave portions covered loosely with a damp paper towel, stirring halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the frozen spinach well to remove excess moisture before adding it to the sauce to avoid it becoming watery.

Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?

You can use cottage cheese blended until smooth or cream cheese for a different but still creamy texture, though ricotta gives a uniquely light and fluffy feel.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

With vegan cheese alternatives and a plant-based cream substitute, you can definitely make this dish vegan-friendly, though it will slightly alter the classic creamy texture.

How spicy is this dish?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick that can be easily adjusted to your liking or left out entirely for a milder flavor.

Can I use other pasta shapes?

Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni will work well, but ziti’s tubular shape is perfect for trapping sauce and cheese inside.

Final Thoughts

This Spinach Ziti Recipe combines fresh ingredients and cheesy comfort to deliver a dish that feels like a warm, welcoming hug from your kitchen. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a dish to impress guests, it’s sure to bring smiles and requests for seconds. Don’t wait to try it—you might just find your new go-to pasta bake here!

Spinach Ziti Recipe

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4.1 from 31 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Spinach Ziti is a comforting baked pasta dish featuring tender ziti pasta mixed with sautéed garlic, onions, fresh spinach, and a flavorful marinara sauce. It’s layered with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, then baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection. A perfect satisfying vegetarian dinner that is easy to prepare and deliciously cheesy.

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Ingredients

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Pasta and Sauce

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cheese Mixture

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for baking the ziti later.
2. Cook Pasta: Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Cook Spinach and Sauce: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Stir in marinara sauce, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, and heavy cream if using. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked ziti to the skillet with the spinach marinara sauce and toss to combine everything evenly.
7. Layer in Baking Dish: Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spoon dollops of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta layer, then cover with the remaining pasta.
8. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta layers for a golden, bubbly finish.
9. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cheese to melt.
10. Bake Uncovered and Serve: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese topping is melted and bubbly with a light golden color. Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• You can omit the heavy cream for a lighter version of the dish.
• Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted based on your preferred spice level.
• Use fresh spinach for best flavor, but frozen spinach thawed and drained can be substituted.
• For a lower-fat option, substitute part of the cheeses with low-fat versions.
• Make sure to stir the pasta and sauce thoroughly before layering to ensure even distribution of flavors.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian