Description
Baked Ziti with Spinach is a twist on the classic baked ziti. This Italian-inspired dish features ziti pasta, a rich marinara sauce, and a combination of cheeses such as ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. What makes this version unique is the addition of fresh spinach, which gives the dish a vibrant, healthy touch while balancing out the rich flavors. It’s a perfect meal for busy evenings when you want something hearty but also packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz ziti pasta, uncooked
- 4 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prep the Pasta:
- Bring salted water to a boil and cook ziti until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Mix the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, parmesan, half the mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in chopped spinach until evenly distributed.
- Assemble:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, toss cooked ziti with marinara sauce.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the pasta mixture, then spread the ricotta-spinach mixture.
- Top with remaining pasta and sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella.
- Bake:
- Drizzle top with olive oil.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Make-Ahead Tip: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Assemble it ahead of time, refrigerate, and simply bake when you’re ready to serve. It also freezes well—great for busy weeknights or sharing with friends!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Easy Baked Ziti with Spinach Recipe