Save to Pinterest 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.
This cozy dish quickly became a family favorite for its hearty flavors and ease of preparation.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Step 2:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti until just al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3:
- 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.
- Step 4:
- Add spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Step 5:
- 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.
- Step 6:
- Add marinara sauce and cooked ziti to the bowl. Gently fold until evenly combined.
- Step 7:
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
- Step 8:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Step 9:
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest This recipe has brought our family together, creating warm memories around the dinner table.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 420, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 52 g, Protein: 18 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This baked ziti is a comforting, versatile meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute ziti with another pasta?
Yes, penne or other tube-shaped pasta works well to hold the sauce and ingredients.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the pasta until just al dente and drain thoroughly before mixing with other ingredients.
- → Can fresh spinach be replaced with kale?
Yes, kale offers a similar texture and flavor, though cooking time may vary slightly.
- → What cheeses create the best flavor blend here?
Ricotta provides creaminess, mozzarella melts beautifully, and Parmesan adds a savory sharpness.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Use plant-based cheeses and omit the egg to create a vegan-friendly version.