Spinach and Zucchini Baked Ziti

Name: Spinach and Zucchini Baked Ziti
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 2 tbsp. olive oil, plus more for baking dish; 1 lb. ziti; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, chopped; 2 (15-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes; 4 c. baby spinach, stemmed; 3 tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish; 3 tbsp. chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish; 1 c. whole-milk ricotta; 2 oz. grated Parmesan (about 1/2 cup), divided; 2 medium zucchini, cut into half-moons; 8 oz. low-moisture mozzarella, grated (about 2 cups)

You won't miss the meat in this vegetarian dish.

By Beth BranchPublished: Jan 5, 2026

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baked pasta dish with garlic bread and salad on a table setting

Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country Living

Yields:

8 serving(s)

Prep Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 10 mins

Cheesy, saucy, and loaded with vegetables, this casserole is an ideal family-friendly weeknight meal. The sauce can be made up to five days in advance, and the noodles can be cooked a day or two ahead. Just wait to assemble the casserole until you’re ready to bake, or the noodles will absorb too much liquid.

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Ingredients

2 Tbsp. olive oil, plus more for baking dish
1 lb. ziti
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 (15-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
4 cups baby spinach, stemmed
3 Tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish
3 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
1 cup whole-milk ricotta
2 oz. grated Parmesan (about 1/2 cup), divided
2 medium zucchini, cut into half-moons
8 oz. low-moisture mozzarella, grated (about 2 cups)

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly oil a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Cook ziti in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente according to package directions. Drain.
2. Step 2Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, spinach, parsley, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until spinach is wilted, 4 to 6 minutes.
3. Step 3Stir together ricotta and ¼ cup Parmesan in a bowl. Add ziti, tomato mixture, and zucchini and toss to coat.
4. Step 4Transfer half of ziti mixture to the prepared pan. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella. Top with remaining ziti mixture, 1 cup mozzarella, and ¼ cup Parmesan. Bake until bubbling and cheese on top is golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Garnish with parsley and basil.