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 pasta bake has become a family favorite with its blend of fresh and savory flavors that always brings everyone to the table.
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 Sharing this dish has created countless happy family dinners and warm memories 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
420 calories, 17 g total fat, 52 g carbohydrates, 18 g protein per serving
Pin It 
This baked ziti is the perfect comfort meal for any occasion that always delights hungry guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute spinach with another green?
Yes, kale or Swiss chard work well as alternatives, offering similar texture and flavor.
- → How do the olives affect the taste?
Olives add a salty, briny depth that complements the creamy ricotta and tangy tomato sauce.
- → Is it better to cook the pasta al dente?
Cooking pasta al dente helps it hold up during baking without becoming mushy.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate before baking; adjust baking time slightly if starting cold.
- → What cheese combination is used here?
Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses combine for creamy, melty, and flavorful layers.
- → How can I add extra flavor to the bake?
Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or increase herbs like oregano and basil for more depth.