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.

I first served this to my family on a chilly evening and it quickly became a favorite comfort food for us all

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

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.

Save

My family always gathers around the table eagerly waiting for this warm, cheesy ziti straight from the oven

Variations

Try adding sun dried tomatoes or swap spinach for kale for a different twist on the classic

Serving Suggestions

Pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread to complete the meal

Dietary Adjustments

For a vegan version, use plant based cheeses and omit the egg

Save

This baked ziti is the perfect comfort food to share with loved ones on any occasion

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Ziti or penne pasta works well due to their tubular shapes, which hold the sauce and cheese beautifully.

→ Can I substitute the spinach with another vegetable?

Yes, kale or Swiss chard are excellent substitutes that add a different texture and flavor profile.

→ How do olives influence the flavor?

Black or Kalamata olives add a briny, slightly salty dimension that complements the creamy cheeses and tomato sauce.

→ Is it necessary to pre-cook the pasta before baking?

Cooking the pasta al dente ensures it finishes baking perfectly without becoming mushy.

→ What cheeses are used for layering and mixing?

Ricotta is mixed into the filling, while mozzarella and Parmesan are sprinkled on top for a golden, melted crust.