One-Pan Baked Ziti with Spinach and Mozzarella
A comforting baked pasta dish combining tender ziti, fresh spinach, and melted mozzarella in a savory tomato sauce. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs ziti pasta, olive oil, minced 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Baked Ziti with Spinach and Mozzarella take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pan Baked Ziti with Spinach and Mozzarella?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ziti pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Baked Ziti with Spinach and Mozzarella?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pan Baked Ziti with Spinach and Mozzarella for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is One-Pan Baked Ziti with Spinach and Mozzarella vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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