Baked Ziti with Spinach and Ricotta Recipe

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A comforting, cheesy classic with a nutritious twist of fresh spinach and creamy ricotta. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or when you’re simply craving something hearty and delicious!

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Ricotta Mixture

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup chopped fresh spinach (or 1/2 cup thawed frozen spinach, squeezed dry)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 egg (optional, for extra creaminess and structure)

For the Sauce

  • 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)

For the Topping

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
  2. Drain the pasta and toss it with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and egg (if using).
  2. Mix until well blended and creamy.

Step 3: Prepare the Marinara Sauce

  1. In a saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over low heat. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for added flavor.
  2. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom.
  3. Add half of the cooked ziti to the dish, spreading it evenly.
  4. Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, spreading it gently with a spatula.
  5. Pour half of the marinara sauce over the ricotta layer, spreading it evenly.
  6. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the sauce.
  7. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
  8. Top with the grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
  3. If you like a crispy top, broil for the last 2 minutes, but keep a close eye on it!

Step 6: Serve

  1. Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair this dish with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
  • For a complete meal, serve with a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon.

Variations

  • Meaty Twist: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or turkey to the marinara sauce.
  • Vegetarian: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra veggies.
  • Cheese Lovers: Use a mix of cheeses like provolone, fontina, or gouda for an extra cheesy flavor.

Storage and Reheating

  • Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze the fully assembled (unbaked or baked) dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or shells work just as well.

2. Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan alternatives.

3. What if I don’t have fresh spinach?
Thawed frozen spinach works great—just squeeze out as much water as possible before mixing it with the ricotta.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

5. How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Make sure your pasta is well-coated with sauce and don’t skimp on the cheese topping.

6. Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce instead of marinara?
Sure! It’ll be a creamier, richer version of the dish.

7. How do I get a golden-brown topping?
Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, but watch it closely to avoid burning.

8. What’s the best way to layer the ziti?
Start with sauce to prevent sticking, then alternate pasta, ricotta, sauce, and cheese for even distribution.

9. Can I add basil or other herbs?
Absolutely! Fresh basil or oregano adds amazing flavor.

10. How do I keep the cheese from sticking to the foil?
Spray the foil lightly with cooking spray before covering the dish.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti with Spinach and Ricotta is a warm, cheesy, and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging on a weeknight, this dish delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. Now grab a plate and dig in—because nothing beats pasta baked with love! 🍝🧀

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