Warm Baked Ziti Ricotta Spinach

A rustic, comforting pasta bake featuring tender ziti, creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and briny olives, all enveloped in a savory tomato sauce and finished with melted cheese.

I first served this to my family on a chilly weekend and it quickly became a beloved comfort food staple in our home.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 1 pound (450 g) ziti or penne pasta
• Vegetables: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, 6 ounces (170 g) fresh baby spinach
• Cheese & Dairy: 1 1/2 cups (375 g) ricotta cheese, 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg
• Sauce: 1 jar (24 ounces/680 g) marinara sauce, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and black pepper to taste
• Olives: 1/2 cup (80 g) Kalamata or black olives, pitted and sliced

Instructions

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Preheat:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.

Cook Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti until just al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Sauté Vegetables:

While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.

Cook Spinach:

Add spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Mix Cheese & Ingredients:

In a large bowl, mix ricotta, egg, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in cooked spinach mixture and sliced olives.

Combine:

Add marinara sauce and cooked ziti to the bowl. Gently fold until evenly combined.

Assemble:

Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.

Bake Covered:

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Bake Uncovered:

Remove foil and bake an additional 10 15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Rest:

Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Create smooth frozen drinks, slushies, and frappés for desserts and parties using juices, coffee, or wine.

Check price on Amazon

Create smooth frozen drinks, slushies, and frappés for desserts and parties using juices, coffee, or wine.

Check price on Amazon

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Gathering around the table with family to enjoy this ziti brings so much warmth and happiness to our home.

Notes

For a vegan version, use plant-based cheeses and omit the egg.

Required Tools

Large pot, Large skillet, Mixing bowl, 9x13-inch baking dish, Foil

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and egg. Double-check cheese and pasta labels for allergen information if needed.

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Prep meals effortlessly by chopping vegetables, slicing meats, and serving dinner with the right knife always ready.

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This baked ziti is the perfect comfort meal to make ahead for busy weeknights or special gatherings.

Recipe FAQs

→ What pasta type works best for this dish?

Short tubular pastas like ziti or penne hold the sauce well and provide a satisfying texture when baked.

→ Can I substitute the spinach with another green?

Kale or Swiss chard make great alternatives, adding a different earthy flavor and maintaining the vibrant green color.

→ How do the olives influence the overall flavor?

Olives add a briny, slightly tangy punch that balances the creamy and savory elements of the dish.

→ What cheeses complement the ricotta in this preparation?

Mozzarella provides gooey meltiness, while Parmesan contributes a sharp, nutty finish enhancing the flavor complexity.

→ How can I ensure the baked dish remains moist?

Be sure to mix the pasta with sauce thoroughly before baking and cover with foil during the initial baking to retain moisture.