Pin it 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 been a family favorite for years offering warmth and simplicity in every bite.
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.
Pin it Serving this baked ziti at family gatherings always brings joy and countless compliments around the 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
Pin it 
This baked ziti combines simple ingredients into a hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Ziti or penne pasta hold up well due to their tubular shape, allowing sauce and cheese to coat each piece thoroughly.
- → Can I substitute fresh spinach with another green?
Yes, kale or Swiss chard can be used as alternatives, but adjust cooking time to ensure tenderness without overcooking.
- → How do Kalamata olives affect the flavor?
Kalamata olives add a briny, slightly tangy note that complements the rich cheeses and savory tomato sauce.
- → What is the best way to achieve a golden cheese topping?
Remove the foil during the final 10-15 minutes of baking so the cheese can bubble and brown beautifully.
- → Is it necessary to cook the pasta fully before baking?
The pasta should be cooked just al dente to maintain firmness after baking without becoming mushy.