One-Pan Baked Ziti with Spinach and Mozzarella

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-10 · Updated 2026-05-10

A comforting baked pasta dish combining tender ziti, fresh spinach, and melted mozzarella in a savory tomato sauce. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 50 minutes, pairs ziti pasta, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 5 oz fresh spinach
• 8 oz, shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 cups water

The 9x13 baking dish we’d bake this in → Best Bakeware for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 medium diced yellow onion, sauté for 4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
2. Step 2: Stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
3. Step 3: Add 12 oz dry ziti pasta and 3 cups water to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: Fold in 5 oz fresh spinach, cooking for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Sprinkle 8 oz shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, then 1/4 cup grated Parmesan.
5. Step 5: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.