Three-Cheese Baked Ziti with Spinach and Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty baked pasta dish with al dente ziti, creamy ricotta, and a tangy tomato-spinach sauce, all crowned with melted cheese. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes blends ziti pasta, olive oil, medium, finely chopped onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 580 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

★ 3.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook 12 oz ziti in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 cups tomato sauce, 2 cups packed fresh spinach, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until spinach is wilted and sauce has thickened.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the drained ziti, sauce mixture, 1 cup ricotta, 4 oz shredded mozzarella, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Mix until well combined.
  5. Step 5: Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining 4 oz shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Three-Cheese Baked Ziti with Spinach and Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Three-Cheese Baked Ziti with Spinach and Tomato Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Three-Cheese Baked Ziti with Spinach and Tomato Sauce?

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 Three-Cheese Baked Ziti with Spinach and Tomato Sauce 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.

What goes well with Three-Cheese Baked Ziti with Spinach and Tomato Sauce?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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