Spinach Ziti Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy, family-friendly dinner that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and nutrition, look no further than Spinach Ziti. This vegetarian baked pasta is brimming with gooey melted cheese, vibrant fresh spinach, and layers of savory marinara, all tied together in a bubbling golden casserole. It’s the sort of meal that makes the house smell incredible, vanishes fast at the table, and is just as good (if not better) for leftovers.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Spinach Ziti uses simple, familiar ingredients, but each plays an essential role. From the creamy ricotta to the robust marinara and fresh spinach, every component adds flavor, texture, or that irresistible cheesy gooeyness you crave in a baked pasta.

• Ziti Pasta: The perfect tubular pasta for holding onto all that cheesy, saucy goodness. Cook it just until al dente for best results.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and depth while helping the garlic and spinach sauté beautifully.
• Garlic: Just a few cloves wake up the whole dish with their fragrant punch.
• Fresh Spinach: Roughly chopped and sautéed, it adds color, nutrients, and a tender bite that pairs beautifully with creamy cheese.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creates that signature creamy layer and balances the acidity of the tomato sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A must for melted, stringy cheese pulls on top and throughout the casserole.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, nutty flavor and helps brown the top to golden perfection.
• Large Egg: Binds the ricotta mixture, making each slice easy to serve and oh-so-creamy.
• Marinara Sauce: The heart and soul of the dish; use your favorite jar or a homemade batch for bright, tomato flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds herby warmth and ties all the Italian-inspired flavors together.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors—don’t skip it!
• Black Pepper: Just a touch gives the dish a subtle bite and rounds things out.

How to Make Spinach Ziti

Step 1: Cook the Ziti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the ziti pasta, and cook until just al dente (you want it to still have a little bite). Drain the pasta and set it aside—don’t worry if it seems a bit underdone; it will finish cooking as the Spinach Ziti bakes in the oven.

Step 2: Sauté the Spinach and Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute until fragrant, then toss in the chopped spinach. Sauté the spinach for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted and bright green, stirring gently so it cooks evenly and doesn’t burn.

Step 3: Mix the Cheeses and Spinach

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half a cup of mozzarella, all the grated Parmesan, the egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Once evenly mixed, fold in the sautéed spinach, making sure the greens are distributed throughout the creamy mixture—this will become the luscious middle layer of your Spinach Ziti.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a cup of marinara sauce over the bottom. Now, begin layering: add half the cooked ziti, half of the ricotta-spinach mixture, then half of the remaining marinara. Repeat the layers, finishing with the rest of the mozzarella on top for maximum melty goodness.

Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Let your Spinach Ziti rest for 5 minutes after baking—this helps everything set and makes serving a breeze.

How to Serve Spinach Ziti

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing your Spinach Ziti, a little touch goes a long way. Sprinkle extra Parmesan or torn fresh basil over each serving for extra aroma and visual appeal. If you want a pop of color, a light shower of red pepper flakes adds gentle heat and looks beautiful atop all that melted cheese.

Side Dishes

Spinach Ziti pairs well with a crisp green salad tossed in a zingy vinaigrette, which balances the richness of the cheese. Add some garlic bread or a crusty baguette to help mop up every last drop of marinara sauce for an Italian-American meal that feels truly special.

Creative Ways to Present

To add a bit of fun or flair, consider serving Spinach Ziti in individual ramekins for dinner parties or layering it in a deep pie dish for dramatic servings. For a family-style feast, bring the entire bubbling dish straight to the table—just be prepared for everyone to ask for seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Spinach Ziti stores beautifully. Simply let it cool completely, then cover the dish tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to four days in the fridge, making for effortless lunches or next-day dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze the whole assembled, unbaked casserole or individual cooked portions for up to two months. For best results, wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and be sure to label it with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

Reheating

To reheat Spinach Ziti, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20–25 minutes for larger batches. You can also microwave individual slices, though reheating in the oven preserves the texture of the cheese and keeps the pasta from getting mushy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the cheese mixture to prevent the dish from becoming watery.

How do I make this Spinach Ziti gluten free?

Swap the regular ziti for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check that all other ingredients (like marinara) are certified gluten free. The rest of the method remains unchanged.

Can I add meat to this recipe?

Yes! For a heartier version, stir in cooked, crumbled Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken before layering. It’s a flexible base, so tailor your Spinach Ziti to suit your crowd.

Is it possible to make Spinach Ziti ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day in advance, then simply keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.

What’s the best way to prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil?

Spray the underside of your foil with nonstick spray before covering the casserole, or tent it slightly so it doesn’t directly touch the melting cheese—this ensures your golden, bubbly top stays picture perfect!

Final Thoughts

Spinach Ziti is the kind of cheerful, nourishing dinner that brings people together and leaves them comfortably full and happy. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet special enough for a cozy weekend gathering. If you give it a try, prepare for smiles all around—and maybe even a new family favorite. Happy baking!

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