Creamy Spinach Ziti

Featured in Delicious Main Course Recipes for Every Occasion.

This Spinach Ziti transforms classic baked pasta into a vegetarian masterpiece that's both comforting and nutritious. The recipe combines tender ziti pasta with fresh spinach and a rich blend of three cheeses - ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. The marinara sauce, enhanced with aromatic herbs and garlic, creates a perfect base for this casserole-style dish. What makes this recipe special is its versatility and crowd-pleasing nature, working equally well for family dinners or casual entertaining. The combination of creamy cheese layers and perfectly baked pasta creates a satisfying meal that can be easily customized with additional vegetables or protein options.
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Updated on Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:50:58 GMT
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Transform classic ziti into a nutritious feast with this vibrant spinach-studded pasta bake. This dish combines al dente pasta with wilted spinach and three kinds of cheese, all enveloped in a rich marinara sauce. The result is a comforting casserole that elevates the humble pasta bake into something truly special.

After discovering this version of baked ziti, I found that adding spinach not only boosts nutrition but also creates pockets of flavor that complement the rich cheese perfectly. The moment the dish emerges from the oven, golden and bubbling, always draws everyone to the kitchen.

Essential Components

  • Pasta Selection: Choose high-quality ziti that holds its shape when baked
  • Cheese Choices: Fresh ricotta provides the best texture and flavor
  • Spinach Quality: Fresh spinach leaves yield the best texture and color
  • Marinara Base: Use a well-seasoned sauce as your foundation
  • Seasoning Blend: Fresh garlic and dried herbs create aromatic depth
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Creating Your Masterpiece

Perfect The Pasta:
Cook ziti just until al dente, remembering it will continue cooking in the oven. Reserve some pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency.
Layer The Flavors:
Sauté garlic and onions until fragrant and translucent. Add spinach in batches, allowing each addition to wilt properly.
Build The Base:
Combine perfectly cooked pasta with the spinach-marinara mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
Create The Cheese Layer:
Mix ricotta with egg, Parmesan, and half the mozzarella until smooth. This creates the creamy heart of the dish.

I learned the importance of properly wilting spinach while developing this recipe in my own kitchen. When done right, it releases its moisture without becoming stringy, creating perfect pockets of green throughout the dish that my family now eagerly seeks out in every serving.

Perfect Pairings

Turn this hearty pasta into a complete Italian feast. A crisp Caesar salad provides fresh contrast to the rich casserole. Garlic bread with a crusty exterior is perfect for soaking up extra sauce. For a lighter option, serve with roasted broccolini dressed with lemon and garlic.

Creative Variations

Adapt this versatile dish to suit any preference. Add Italian sausage or ground beef for a heartier version. Create a more veggie-forward dish by incorporating mushrooms and bell peppers. Make it extra indulgent with a layer of bechamel sauce. For a lighter version, use part-skim cheeses and whole wheat pasta.

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Storage Success

Keep leftovers fresh by covering tightly with foil before refrigerating for up to four days. For freezing, wrap individual portions well and store for up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of marinara to maintain moisture. Let frozen portions thaw overnight before reheating.

Through countless iterations of this recipe, I've found that success lies in the details - from properly seasoned pasta water to careful layering of ingredients. This dish proves that a few thoughtful techniques can transform simple ingredients into a memorable meal that brings everyone to the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble up to 24 hours ahead, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.
→ Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking.
→ What can I substitute for spinach?
Kale, Swiss chard, or other leafy greens work well as alternatives to spinach.
→ Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of regular ziti.
→ How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.

Creamy Spinach Ziti

A comforting baked pasta dish featuring ziti noodles, fresh spinach, and three types of cheese in a flavorful marinara sauce.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 12 oz ziti pasta
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 small onion, chopped
05 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
06 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
07 1 teaspoon dried basil
08 1 teaspoon dried oregano
09 ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
10 Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Cheese Mixture

11 1 cup ricotta cheese
12 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
13 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
14 1 egg
15 ½ cup heavy cream (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 02

Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.

Step 03

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the chopped spinach, cooking until wilted. Stir in the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 04

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ½ cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and heavy cream (if using), mixing until smooth.

Step 05

Combine the cooked ziti with the spinach marinara sauce in a large bowl. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dollop ricotta mixture over the pasta, then top with the remaining pasta. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 06

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. For extra protein, add cooked chicken or sausage.
  2. You can swap spinach for kale or other leafy greens.
  3. For a vegan option, use dairy-free cheese and substitute the egg with a flax egg or tofu-based mixture.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains gluten (pasta)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~