Save 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 baked ziti has always been a family favorite especially on chilly evenings when comfort food hits the spot.
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti until just al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- 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.
- Cook Spinach:
- Add spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Mix Filling:
- 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.
- Combine Sauce and Pasta:
- Add marinara sauce and cooked ziti to the bowl. Gently fold until evenly combined.
- Assemble:
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest:
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Save This dish brings everyone together as we gather around the table enjoying warm plates and shared stories.
Serving Suggestions
Pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread to complete your meal.
Variations
For a vegan version, use plant based cheeses and omit the egg to keep it dairy free.
Storage
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Save 
This baked ziti is the perfect comfort dish to enjoy any day of the week.
Recipe FAQs
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Ziti or penne pasta are ideal as they hold sauce well and bake evenly.
- → Can the olives be substituted or omitted?
Yes, Kalamata or black olives add a unique briny flavor but can be omitted or swapped for mild green olives.
- → How can I ensure the spinach retains its texture?
Wilt fresh spinach briefly in a skillet just until softened; overcooking can make it mushy.
- → What cheese combination enhances the flavor?
Ricotta provides creaminess, while mozzarella melts smoothly and Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty finish.
- → Is there a vegan adaptation for this dish?
Yes, use plant-based cheeses and omit the egg to keep it plant-friendly without sacrificing texture.
- → What herbs complement the tomato sauce most?
Dried oregano and basil enrich the sauce with classic Italian herb flavors.