Save to Pinterest 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, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
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
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- 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.
Blend soups, smoothies, sauces, and baby food directly in pots for quick, smooth results.
Check price on Amazon
Blend soups, smoothies, sauces, and baby food directly in pots for quick, smooth results.
Check price on Amazon
Save to Pinterest My family gathers every Sunday to enjoy this warm, hearty dish that never fails to satisfy.
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
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Make fresh homemade yogurt and fermented foods easily for breakfasts, snacks, and recipes.
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This baked ziti is a delicious crowd pleaser perfect for any occasion.