Olive Warm Baked Ziti

A rustic, comforting pasta bake featuring tender ziti, creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and briny olives, all enveloped in a savory tomato sauce and finished with melted cheese.

This cozy dish reminds me of family dinners that bring everyone together around the table.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 1 pound (450 g) ziti or penne pasta
• Vegetables: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped, 6 ounces (170 g) fresh baby spinach
• Cheese & Dairy: 1 1/2 cups (375 g) ricotta cheese, 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg
• Sauce: 1 jar (24 ounces/680 g) marinara sauce, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and black pepper to taste
• Olives: 1/2 cup (80 g) Kalamata or black olives, pitted and sliced

Instructions

Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.

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Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.

Step 2:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti until just al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3:

While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.

Step 4:

Add spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 5:

In a large bowl, mix ricotta, egg, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in cooked spinach mixture and sliced olives.

Step 6:

Add marinara sauce and cooked ziti to the bowl. Gently fold until evenly combined.

Step 7:

Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.

Step 8:

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 9:

Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.

Check price on Amazon

Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.

Check price on Amazon

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This recipe often brings back warm memories of weekends spent cooking with loved ones.

Required Tools

Large pot, large skillet, mixing bowl, 9x13 inch baking dish, foil

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and egg. Double check cheese and pasta labels for allergen information if needed.

Nutritional Information

Calories 420, Total Fat 17 g, Carbohydrates 52 g, Protein 18 g per serving

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Rinse vegetables, wash cookware, and fill pots easily while cooking with flexible spray control.

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This baked ziti is sure to become a family favorite with its delicious layers and simple preparation.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I substitute another pasta for ziti?

Yes, penne or rigatoni work well as they hold sauce and bake nicely.

→ How can I prevent the dish from becoming too watery?

Drain the cooked pasta well and avoid excess sauce. Baking uncovered at the end helps thicken the dish.

→ Is it necessary to use both mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses?

The mozzarella provides meltiness, while Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor for a balanced topping.

→ What is the best way to cook the spinach?

Sautéing spinach briefly with garlic and onion until just wilted preserves its color and texture.

→ Can Kalamata olives be replaced with another type?

Green or black olives may be used, but Kalamata offers a distinct briny richness that complements the dish well.