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 dish is one of my go-to comfort meals for family gatherings, always bringing smiles and full plates.
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 My family loves gathering around this dish on weekends, sharing stories and seconds.
Notes
For extra flavor, add sun-dried tomatoes or swap spinach for kale. Pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. For a vegan version, use plant-based cheeses and omit the egg.
Required Tools
Large pot, Large skillet, Mixing bowl, 9x13-inch baking dish, Foil
Nutritional Information
Calories 420, Total Fat 17 g, Carbohydrates 52 g, Protein 18 g (per serving)
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This baked ziti warmly invites everyone to the table with its comforting flavors and ease of preparation.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute ziti with other pasta types?
Yes, penne or rigatoni work well as substitutes, holding sauces nicely without altering the dish's texture.
- → How can I make this dish vegan-friendly?
Replace the cheeses and egg with plant-based alternatives to maintain creaminess and texture suitable for vegan diets.
- → What is the best way to wilt spinach for this bake?
Sauté the spinach briefly with olive oil until just wilted to preserve its vibrant color and fresh flavor.
- → Can olives be omitted or replaced?
Olives add a briny contrast but can be skipped or replaced with sun-dried tomatoes for a different tangy note.
- → How do I achieve a golden cheese crust on top?
Bake uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes to allow the mozzarella and Parmesan to melt and brown beautifully.