Creamy Baked Ziti with Spinach: The Ultimate Meatless Comfort Food Recipe

Craving a hearty, comforting, and incredibly satisfying meal that also happens to be meatless? Look no further than this exquisite Baked Ziti with Spinach. This recipe proves that vegetarian dishes can be just as rich and flavorful as their meaty counterparts, offering the perfect blend of creamy cheeses, tender pasta, vibrant spinach, and a robust tomato sauce, all baked to golden perfection. It’s truly the ultimate comfort food and a fantastic option for a wholesome family dinner.

For a complete and delightful meal, consider serving this baked ziti alongside fluffy onion rolls and a refreshing tomato avocado salad. The combination provides a wonderful balance of textures and flavors that will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti with Spinach

This Baked Ziti with Spinach isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a culinary experience designed for ease, flavor, and pure comfort. Here’s why it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen:

Effortlessly Delicious: Simple steps lead to restaurant-quality flavor.
Perfect Meatless Option: A satisfying vegetarian meal that even meat-lovers will enjoy.
Customizable: Easily adapt it with your favorite vegetables or a protein boost.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping.
Freezer-Friendly: Prepare it ahead of time for a convenient future meal.
Wholesome Goodness: Packed with fresh spinach, adding a healthy touch to a comforting dish.

While I’ve been experimenting with healthier and low-carb recipes lately, I knew I had to share a truly comforting dish, and this is it! The addition of fresh spinach not only brightens the flavors but also adds a fantastic nutritional boost, making this classic comfort food a little healthier. Although it’s traditionally called “Baked Ziti,” I actually prefer using penne pasta. The ridged surface of penne is excellent at capturing and holding onto the rich tomato and cheese sauce, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Plus, “Baked Ziti with Spinach” just has a ring to it that “Baked Penne” doesn’t quite match!

When it comes to vegetables, feel free to choose your favorites, but for me, spinach is a must. Its slightly earthy flavor pairs wonderfully with creamy cheeses, creating a harmonious blend. The choice of cheese is also crucial, and I believe buffalo mozzarella cheese is the secret ingredient that elevates this dish. I like to mix cubes of buffalo mozzarella into the pasta mixture, allowing it to melt into delectable pockets of gooey goodness, then finish the top with a generous layer of classic shredded mozzarella and freshly grated parmesan for a golden, bubbly crust.

Key Ingredients & Smart Substitutions

Understanding the role of each ingredient and knowing your substitution options can make this Baked Ziti with Spinach even more versatile and enjoyable. Here’s a closer look at what goes into this delicious vegetarian pasta bake:

Pasta: Penne or Ziti. As mentioned, penne is my go-to for its sauce-grabbing ridges. However, traditional ziti, rigatoni, or even cavatappi would work beautifully. Cook your pasta al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Aromatics: Onion and Garlic. These are the foundation of our flavorful sauce. A small yellow onion, finely diced, and fresh minced garlic provide a robust base. For convenience, you can use garlic powder and onion powder, but fresh always delivers superior flavor.
Spicy Kick (Optional): Crushed Red Pepper. A couple of teaspoons add a gentle warmth, enhancing the overall profile of the sauce. Adjust to your heat preference or omit if serving to those sensitive to spice.
Rich Tomato Sauce: Crushed Tomatoes. A 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes forms the heart of our sauce. For a smoother sauce, you can use tomato purée; for a chunkier texture, opt for diced tomatoes.
Herbs & Seasoning: Dried Oregano, Salt, and Pepper. Simple yet essential. Oregano brings that classic Italian-American flavor. Always season to taste, adding more salt and pepper as needed.
Creamy Core: Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese. This is what makes baked ziti so luxuriously creamy. Whole milk ricotta provides the best texture and flavor, but part-skim can be used for a lighter version.
The Star Veggie: Fresh Spinach. A cup of fresh spinach wilts down significantly, infusing the dish with nutrition and a delicate flavor. You can use frozen spinach; just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out all excess water before adding.
Cheese, Please!
- Buffalo Mozzarella: This cheese, mixed into the pasta, melts into rich, tender pockets. Its unique flavor and texture are highly recommended.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Used generously on top, it creates that irresistible golden, bubbly crust. Low-moisture, whole-milk mozzarella shreds best.
- Fresh Parmesan Cheese: Both mixed into the ricotta and sprinkled on top, parmesan adds a salty, umami depth that complements the other cheeses perfectly.

How to Make Baked Ziti With Spinach: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious Baked Ziti with Spinach is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Follow these steps to achieve a perfectly cheesy, saucy, and comforting pasta bake:

Prep the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of generously salted water. Cook your penne (or ziti) pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente – slightly firm to the bite – as it will soften further during baking. Drain well and set aside.
Start the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, preheat your oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C). In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Build Flavor: Stir in the fresh minced garlic and crushed red pepper (if using) and cook for just about 20-30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Season generously with dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together, then reduce the heat to low and let the sauce gently simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: While the sauce simmers, finely chop your fresh spinach. In a large bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta cheese, granulated garlic, a pinch of salt, pepper, the chopped spinach, and half of the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Mix this thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the simmering tomato sauce and stir until every piece is coated. Next, gently fold in the creamy ricotta cheese mixture. Finally, stir in the buffalo mozzarella cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the pasta. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer the entire pasta mixture into a suitable casserole dish. Top it generously with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.
Golden Finish: Bake in your preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheeses on top are completely melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown.

Top Tips and Creative Recipe Variations

This Baked Ziti with Spinach is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some tips and ideas to make it uniquely yours:

Spinach Prep Shortcut: If you’re short on time or prefer a finer texture, place the fresh spinach in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. For frozen spinach, ensure it’s fully thawed and excess water is squeezed out to prevent a watery sauce.
Add Protein: While this is a fantastic vegetarian recipe, it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to brown and drain ground beef, Italian sausage, chicken, or shrimp and stir it into the sauce for a heartier meal.
Boost Your Veggies: Incorporate more of your favorite vegetables! Sautéed mushrooms, diced eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, or even roasted red peppers would be delicious additions.
Time-Saving Hack: To significantly cut down on cooking time, use a good quality store-bought marinara sauce instead of making it from scratch. Just simmer it with your onions, garlic, and red pepper for added depth.
Spice it Up: For those who love a bit more heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. A dash of cayenne pepper could also provide a vibrant kick.
Herb Power: Experiment with other fresh or dried herbs like basil, thyme, or a touch of rosemary for a different aromatic profile.
Cheese Exploration: Don’t limit yourself! Try adding smoked provolone, fontina, or even a sprinkle of goat cheese for a tangy twist.

Can I Make This Baked Ziti Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely! This Baked Ziti with Spinach is an excellent candidate for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance and either refrigerate or freeze it, making weeknight dinners incredibly easy. Follow all the recipe steps up to the baking part. Once assembled in the casserole dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.

Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour to bring it closer to room temperature, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-35 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
Freeze: Freeze the covered dish for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight, or at room temperature for several hours. Then, bake at 350 degrees F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes, or until hot and the cheese is melted and golden. You might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes if baking directly from frozen (covered for the first part, then uncovered to brown).

Serving Suggestions for Your Spinach Baked Ziti

This cheesy, comforting pasta bake is a meal in itself, but a few simple sides can elevate it to a truly memorable feast. Consider pairing it with:

Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Steamed Vegetables: A side of broccoli, green beans, or asparagus adds more greens and a healthy crunch.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted brussels sprouts or cherry tomatoes can complement the flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Baked Ziti with Spinach

Q: Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded?

A: Yes, absolutely! Fresh mozzarella (especially buffalo mozzarella, as suggested) provides a superior creamy texture and flavor. When using fresh mozzarella, it’s best to tear or cube it rather than shred it for the best melt and pockets of gooey cheese.

Q: What kind of pasta works best for Baked Ziti?

A: While the recipe traditionally calls for ziti, penne is an excellent alternative due to its ridges, which hold sauce exceptionally well. Rigatoni or even medium-sized shells can also be used. The key is to choose a pasta shape that can capture the delicious sauce and cheese mixture.

Q: How can I make this dish lighter?

A: To reduce calories and fat, you can use part-skim ricotta cheese and low-fat mozzarella. You could also increase the amount of spinach or add other non-starchy vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to bulk up the dish without adding many calories. Using a lighter tomato sauce base also helps.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for children?

A: Yes, this baked ziti is generally very kid-friendly! The combination of pasta, cheese, and a mild tomato sauce is often a hit. If your children are sensitive to spice, simply omit the crushed red pepper flakes. You can also finely chop the spinach even more so it’s less noticeable.

Making baked pasta has never been easier or more satisfying. I truly hope you and your loved ones enjoy this delightful Baked Ziti with Spinach recipe as much as I do. It’s a dish that brings comfort and joy to any table. Please don’t hesitate to share this recipe with your friends and family!

More Recipes You’ll Enjoy:

Penne alla Vodka with Shrimp
Creamy Shrimp Alfredo
Cuban Spaghetti
Four Cheese Mac and Cheese

You can find more delicious recipes and cooking tutorial videos on Youtube and Facebook.

5 from 2 votes

Baked Ziti with Spinach

By
Julie Maestre

Rich and Delicious Spinach Baked Ziti. The perfect 30-minute meal. Do yourself and your family a favor and make this asap.

Prep:
5 mins

Cook:
25 mins

Total:
30 mins

Servings:
8 servings

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Ingredients

1 lb penne or ziti pasta
1 small onion
2 garlic cloves
2 tsp red crushed pepper, optional
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
15 ounces whole milk ricotta
1 cup fresh spinach
1 tsp granulated garlic
1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 cup fresh parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 lb buffalo mozzarella cheese
salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil and salt generously.
Cook the pasta according to packaging instructions or al dente.
Preheat oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C).
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the onions until translucent.
Stir in the fresh minced garlic and red crushed pepper and cook for an additional 20 seconds.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 15 minutes.
Finely chop the fresh spinach.
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, granulated garlic, salt, pepper, spinach, and half of the parmesan cheese.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until well combined.
Add the ricotta mixture to the pasta.
Stir in the buffalo mozzarella and check for seasoning.
Place the pasta in a casserole dish and top it off with shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining parmesan cheese.
Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted.

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Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:
Julie Maestre

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
25 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

Course:
Entree

Cuisine:
Italian American

Servings:
8 servings

Calories:
488

Keyword:
Baked Ziti with Spinach, Spinach Baked Ziti

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