This creamy baked Spinach Ziti and cheese is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. It’s packed with rich flavors, from the gooey melted cheese to the fresh spinach and marinara sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a group or looking for leftovers for the next day, this dish is sure to hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe combines the best parts of classic baked ziti with the addition of fresh spinach for a burst of green and nutrients. The creamy ricotta and mozzarella melt perfectly over the pasta, while the marinara sauce is full of bold flavors from the herbs and garlic. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that feels like a hug in a dish. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing!
Ingredients
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
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, 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.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, ½ cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and heavy cream (if using). Mix until smooth.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the spinach marinara sauce.
Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dollop the ricotta mixture over the pasta, then top with the remaining pasta.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Variations
If I’m in the mood for a twist, I like to add some cooked chicken or sausage to the mix for extra protein. You could also swap out the spinach for kale or other leafy greens if that’s more to your taste. For a vegan option, use dairy-free cheese and substitute the egg with a flax egg or a tofu-based mixture.
Storage/Reheating
I find this dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, making it a great meal prep option. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quicker option.
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FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can! I often assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze spinach ziti?
Absolutely! This baked ziti freezes well. I recommend freezing it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil. To reheat, bake it from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 40-50 minutes.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If I want a bit more heat, I increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If I’m out of ricotta or want a different flavor, I’ve swapped it with cottage cheese or even cream cheese for a similar creamy texture. It’s always tasty!
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap the ziti pasta for a gluten-free pasta variety. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free!
Conclusion
Spinach ziti is one of those dishes that never fails to please—it’s easy, comforting, and packed with flavor. I love how it combines creamy cheese, savory marinara sauce, and fresh spinach into one hearty meal. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this baked ziti is sure to become a favorite.
📖 Recipe:
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Spinach Ziti
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy baked ziti with spinach and cheese is a comforting and delicious dish perfect for family dinners or cozy nights. With gooey melted cheese, fresh spinach, and marinara sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that combines the best parts of classic baked ziti. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this dish is an easy, satisfying meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
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
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
½ cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- 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.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ½ cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and heavy cream (if using), mixing until smooth.
- 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.
- 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
For extra protein, add cooked chicken or sausage.
You can swap spinach for kale or other leafy greens.
For a vegan option, use dairy-free cheese and substitute the egg with a flax egg or tofu-based mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 380 kcal
