Spinach And Cheese Baked Ziti
Creamy spinach and cheese baked ziti is a comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender pasta, rich ricotta, and melted mozzarella, all enhanced by savory tomato sauce and aromatic herbs. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, it offers hearty flavors and a satisfying, cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the ziti in a large pot as per package directions; drain and set aside.
- Cook the frozen chopped spinach according to package instructions; drain and squeeze to remove excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese, ground pepper, and nutmeg.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Drain the cooked ziti and return it to the pot.
- Add the spaghetti sauce and oregano to the ziti; mix well.
- Place half of the ziti mixture into a 12 1/2 x 8 1/2-inch clear shallow baking dish.
- Spread all of the spinach mixture over the ziti in the dish, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Top with the remaining ziti and the rest of the mozzarella cheese, then cover with foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let the baked ziti stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing some garlic or onions before mixing them with the spinach. You can substitute the ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a lighter option, and if you’re out of Parmesan, nutritional yeast works well for a vegan twist. To make it even heartier, add cooked Italian sausage or ground meat to the ziti mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked ziti with a side salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. A light Italian dressing on the salad complements the richness of the ziti. This dish also pairs beautifully with Fettuccine Susan Anne for a delightful Italian feast, or you can serve it alongside Italian recipes featuring roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach And Cheese Baked Ziti contains roughly 628 calories, with 24g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (110% of the Daily Value), calcium (70% of the Daily Value), and iron (68% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 31g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Just sauté about 10 ounces of fresh spinach until wilted, then chop and add it to the mixture. Fresh spinach will give a vibrant flavor and texture to the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the ziti up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I substitute the eggs in this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the eggs with a flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer for a vegan option. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water to replace one egg. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to thicken before using.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).