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 quickly became a family favorite for its rich flavors and ease of preparation.
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 aromatics:
- 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 bake:
- 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.
Pin it Making this dish always brings my family around the table, sharing stories and laughter over warm plates.
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
Per serving: Calories 420, Total Fat 17 g, Carbohydrates 52 g, Protein 18 g
Pin it 
This baked ziti is perfect for weeknight dinners and meal prep, delivering comfort with every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Ziti or penne pasta are ideal due to their tubular shape, which holds the sauce and cheese well.
- → Can I substitute spinach with other greens?
Yes, kale or Swiss chard can replace spinach for a different texture and flavor profile.
- → How do olives influence the flavor?
Olives add a briny, slightly tangy note that balances the creaminess of the cheese and richness of the tomato sauce.
- → What is the best method to avoid sogginess?
Cooking pasta just until al dente and draining well helps prevent excess moisture. Also, baking uncovered near the end melts the cheese for a desirable texture.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the mixture and refrigerate before baking. Allow extra baking time if starting from cold.