Spinach Ziti Recipe

If you’re searching for a comfort food classic that tastes like pure joy, look no further: Spinach Ziti is about to become your new obsession! Creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, garden-fresh spinach, and tender pasta come together in a bubbling, golden casserole that strikes the delicious balance between hearty and wholesome. It’s a satisfying meal for weeknights, potlucks, or cozy Sunday suppers, with every bite offering layers of cheesy, savory goodness—plus a hidden serving of greens. Spinach Ziti is more than just a pasta bake; it’s an irresistible family favorite you’ll turn to again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Spinach Ziti is all about simple, familiar ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Each component is essential—each one lends a burst of flavor, a layer of texture, or that irresistible golden finish on top.

• 12 ounces ziti pasta: The perfect shape for holding onto all that luscious cheese and sauce in every forkful.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic and spinach until aromatic and vibrant.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Delivers a punchy, savory depth to every bite.
• 6 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped): Wilts to perfection and gives the dish its signature (and secretly healthy) green goodness.
• 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese: Makes each bite creamy and decadent, the glue of this pasta masterpiece.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, stretchy cheese that pulls it all together and gets irresistibly golden on top.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty notes and a touch of saltiness to round out the flavors.
• 1 large egg: Binds the cheese mixture and gives the bake structure.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors in the dish.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A hint of warmth to balance the richness.
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings that classic, herby aroma that makes it undeniably Italian-American.
• 2 cups marinara sauce: The tangy, tomatoey blanket that keeps every bite moist and flavorful.
• Additional mozzarella and Parmesan for topping: For that all-important bubbly, browned finish that everyone fights over!

How to Make Spinach Ziti

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pasta

Start by bringing your oven up to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, cook the ziti pasta in a generously salted pot of boiling water until it’s just al dente—remember, it will finish cooking in the oven, so don’t overdo it. Once the pasta is ready, drain it well and set aside; this step is the base that ensures your Spinach Ziti is perfectly tender, never mushy or dry.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Spinach

Next, grab your largest skillet and heat olive oil over medium. Add your minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until you can smell that familiar, mouthwatering aroma. Toss in the fresh spinach and cook, stirring often, until it wilts down and turns a gorgeous green—usually about two to three minutes. Don’t hesitate to pile the spinach high; it shrinks a lot as it cooks!

Step 3: Mix Up the Cheesy Filling

In a roomy mixing bowl, combine the creamy ricotta, one cup of mozzarella, half a cup of Parmesan, the egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until everything is smooth and evenly combined. Fold in your sautéed spinach and the drained ziti, making sure each noodle gets a generous coating of cheesy goodness and leafy spinach.

Step 4: Assemble the Spinach Ziti

Now the fun part begins! Spoon one cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Pour in your pasta and cheese mixture, then spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Finish with a generous sprinkle of both mozzarella and Parmesan, ensuring an extra-cheesy crust develops as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake and Rest

Cover your future masterpiece with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, uncover and bake another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese on top is bubbling and beautifully golden. (Your kitchen will smell incredible!) Once out of the oven, let the Spinach Ziti rest for about 10 minutes—this helps the flavors settle and makes slicing so much easier.

How to Serve Spinach Ziti

Garnishes

A handful of fresh basil or parsley scattered on top brings a bright, aromatic finish to Spinach Ziti. For a final flourish, an extra dusting of Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving can make each plate look and taste restaurant-quality.

Side Dishes

Spinach Ziti pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a sharp vinaigrette and some warm, crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. Garlic bread or roasted vegetables (like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus) also work wonders for turning this dish into a full Italian-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elevated presentation, try portioning the ziti into individual ramekins before baking—or serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic, cozy vibe. Plating it with a generous spoonful of extra warm marinara or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a personal touch, making Spinach Ziti feel extra special for guests or family gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Spinach Ziti, simply let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it keeps well for up to four days, making for excellent next-day lunches or low-effort dinners.

Freezing

One of the wonders of Spinach Ziti is how well it freezes. Wrap the baked (and cooled) casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It keeps its flavor and texture for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave until piping hot or cover the whole dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven. If reheating from frozen, plan for a bit of extra time and consider adding a splash of marinara so the pasta stays as luscious as ever.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of pasta for Spinach Ziti?

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or most other short, sturdy pastas will hold up beautifully and catch all the delicious sauce and ricotta mixture in this recipe.

What if I only have frozen spinach?

Frozen spinach works perfectly for Spinach Ziti! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding, so your pasta bake stays creamy but not watery.

Is it possible to make Spinach Ziti ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble everything up to the final layer of cheese, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature while your oven preheats, then bake as directed.

Can I add extra veggies or meat?

Of course! Sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers blend in perfectly, and if you like, you can fold in cooked Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier version.

How do I keep the cheese from burning on top?

Keep the dish covered with foil for the first part of baking, then remove the foil for the final 10-15 minutes to get that beautiful golden, bubbly top without burning the cheese.

Final Thoughts

Spinach Ziti is that rare, crowd-pleasing comfort food you’ll want to make on repeat for family and friends. Every bite is brimming with flavor, warmth, and nostalgia. Give it a try—your table is about to get a whole lot happier!

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