This Cheesy Baked Ziti with Spinach and Mushrooms is the ultimate comfort food. Tender pasta is baked with a creamy tomato sauce, layers of gooey cheese, fresh spinach, and earthy mushrooms, creating a hearty and flavorful meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep, this baked pasta dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty, cheesy, and full of comforting flavors.
- A perfect balance of creamy cheese, savory mushrooms, and fresh spinach.
- Great for family dinners, meal prep, or potlucks.
- Freezer-friendly and easy to reheat.
- Vegetarian-friendly and adaptable with protein if desired.
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti or penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 24 oz marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sauce mixture, ricotta, and half the mozzarella. Mix well.
- Transfer mixture to the baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Add cooked chicken or ground beef for extra protein.
- Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Freeze: Assemble the ziti in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
- Pair with a fresh Caesar salad or mixed greens.
- Serve with garlic bread or focaccia.
- Enjoy with a side of roasted vegetables.
- Pair with sparkling water or a refreshing iced tea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use penne instead of ziti?
Yes, penne or rigatoni both work perfectly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely, assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until baking.
Is baked ziti freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, substitute ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
Ready to Try It?
This Cheesy Baked Ziti with Spinach and Mushrooms is warm, cheesy, and comforting — the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy. With layers of pasta, sauce, veggies, and gooey cheese, it’s hearty enough for a main course yet easy to prepare for weeknights. Save this recipe to Pinterest or bake it tonight for a delicious, family-friendly dinner.
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Cheesy Baked Ziti with Spinach and Mushrooms – Comfort Food Classic
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
4. Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sauce mixture, ricotta, and half the mozzarella. Mix well.
7. Transfer mixture to the baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
8. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbling.
9. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
– Add cooked chicken or ground beef for extra protein.
– Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard.
– Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
– Add red pepper flakes for heat.
– Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg