If you’re longing for comfort food with a dash of nutritious green goodness, look no further than Spinach Ziti. This bubbling, cheesy baked pasta classic features tender ziti noodles, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, hearty marinara, and a generous helping of spinach for color and flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want irresistible leftovers, Spinach Ziti is a real crowd-pleaser that delivers all the homemade coziness you crave, minus the fuss!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Spinach Ziti recipe lets you build maximum flavor with simple building blocks. Every ingredient serves a purpose, from the satisfying bite of the pasta to the vibrant splash of greens, ensuring each forkful is a fantastic mix of texture, color, and cheesy indulgence.

Ziti pasta (12 oz): Ziti’s tubular shape holds onto all the creamy sauce, guaranteeing every bite is worth savoring.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a hint of richness and helps sauté the garlic and spinach beautifully.
Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Fresh garlic infuses the dish with bold, aromatic depth—don’t skip it!
Fresh spinach, roughly chopped (5 oz): Gives the casserole a gentle earthiness and lovely green color.
Ricotta cheese (2 cups): The secret to that luscious, creamy layer everyone loves in baked pasta.
Egg (1): Helps bind the ricotta mixture for a cohesive, scoopable filling.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances and amplifies the flavors within the cheese and pasta.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick to the creamy filling without overpowering it.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Perfect for a gentle hint of warmth—add more if you love spice!
Marinara sauce (2 cups): Luscious tomato sauce brings everything together and keeps every layer juicy.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts to a gooey, golden blanket right on top—ultimate comfort food style.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Gives that wonderful, nutty finish and a salty pop in every bite.

How to Make Spinach Ziti

Step 1: Cook the Ziti

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your ziti pasta. Cook according to package directions until just al dente—the pasta will finish cooking in the oven, so you don’t want it too soft. Drain and set it aside so it’s ready to soak up all the flavor to come.

Step 2: Sauté Spinach and Garlic

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute, just until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and sauté, stirring occasionally, until wilted and deep green—this should only take two or three minutes. The aroma promises delicious things ahead!

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Filling

While your spinach cools slightly, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the ricotta cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’d like a touch of heat. Once fully mixed, gently fold in your sautéed spinach and garlic, making sure it’s evenly dispersed for creamy, flavorful bites throughout the entire Spinach Ziti.

Step 4: Combine with Pasta

Add the drained ziti directly into the ricotta-spinach mixture. Toss thoroughly so each piece of pasta gets a good coating—this is what ensures every spoonful of ziti is cheesy, dreamy, and far from dry or bland.

Step 5: Assemble in the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread one cup of marinara sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking and to kickstart flavor. Pile in your pasta mixture next, then pour the remaining sauce evenly on top, letting the red peep through in pools.

Step 6: Top and Bake

For cheesy perfection, shower the casserole with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Cover the whole thing with foil and bake for 20 minutes to get everything bubbling. Then, remove the foil and bake for an extra 10 minutes, until the top is irresistibly golden and gooey.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once you pull your Spinach Ziti triumph from the oven, give it a little patience! Let it sit for 5 minutes—this quick rest ensures cleaner slices and keeps all that cheesy goodness together when serving.

How to Serve Spinach Ziti

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a burst of color and freshness right before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, an extra dusting of grated Parmesan or a light drizzle of olive oil makes each portion of Spinach Ziti feel a little special.

Side Dishes

This pasta bake loves company! Pair your Spinach Ziti with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or serve classic garlic bread to mop up the saucy bits. For a veggie-packed meal, roast some broccoli or asparagus alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Traditionally Spinach Ziti is served family-style from the baking dish, but you can also portion it into individual ramekins for personal casseroles, or scoop it onto toast for a hearty, fun lunch. It also makes a knockout potluck dish for sharing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Spinach Ziti stores beautifully. After it’s cooled, cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors mingle even more with time, making your next meal delightful.

Freezing

Spinach Ziti is a meal-prep superstar. To freeze, cool it completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months. You can freeze the whole casserole or portions for quick dinners; just make sure it’s securely sealed to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts to keep the cheese from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for Spinach Ziti?

Absolutely! While ziti’s shape is traditional, penne, rigatoni, or any short, sturdy pasta will work beautifully in this dish—just keep the cooking time similar.

Do I need to cook the spinach before baking?

Yes, a quick sauté softens the spinach and releases moisture, which helps it blend seamlessly with the ricotta for creamy, not watery, results in your Spinach Ziti.

Can I make Spinach Ziti ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.

What should I do if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

Don’t worry! Cottage cheese is a wonderful substitute and will still provide a creamy, mildly tangy layer in your Spinach Ziti. Just blend it for a smoother texture if desired.

How do I add more protein to Spinach Ziti?

Mix in cooked sausage, ground turkey, or sautéed mushrooms to the ricotta-spinach mixture before baking. It’s a great way to tailor the dish for hungry appetites or special diets!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring a big smile to the table, Spinach Ziti is a tried-and-true recipe that never fails. Easy to make, endlessly comforting, and even better the next day, this is one pasta bake you’ll want to revisit again and again. Give it a go and let the cozy, cheesy magic fill your kitchen!