Save 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 recipe has become a family favorite for weeknight dinners because it is both filling and simple to make.
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 vegetables:
- 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 cheese mixture:
- 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.
Save This dish brings the family together, especially on chilly evenings when comfort food is a must.
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
Save 
Serve warm for a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute spinach with another green?
Yes, kale or Swiss chard are great alternatives that maintain the dish's fresh and earthy flavor profile.
- → What type of olives work best here?
Kalamata or black olives provide a briny, slightly salty contrast that complements the creamy cheese and tomato sauce.
- → How do I avoid overcooking the pasta?
Cook the ziti until just al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking in the oven, ensuring it stays firm and tender.
- → Can this dish be prepared in advance?
Yes, assemble the dish ahead and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it heats through fully.
- → What cheeses are used in this bake?
Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses are combined to create a creamy texture with a rich, savory topping.
- → Is there a vegan alternative for this dish?
Use plant-based cheeses and replace the egg with flax or chia seed gel for a vegan-friendly version without sacrificing creaminess.