Ziti Spinach and Mushroom Casserole

Savor the comforting flavors of this Ziti Spinach and Mushroom Casserole, a hearty baked pasta dish loaded with rich, creamy layers and wholesome vegetables. Tender ziti pasta is tossed with a luscious blend of ricotta, marinara, and heavy cream, then folded together with sautéed spinach and savory cremini mushrooms for a perfect balance of flavors. Topped with gooey melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this casserole bakes to golden perfection in just 35 minutes. Ideal for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings, this recipe is easy to prepare, vegetarian-friendly, and customizable with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added brightness. Whether you're seeking a cozy family meal or a crowd-pleasing centerpiece, this ziti casserole is sure to satisfy.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 6 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a small amount of olive oil and set aside.

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until they release their liquid and are tender. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, marinara sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 6

Add the cooked ziti and the sautéed spinach and mushroom mixture to the bowl with the sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated.

Step 7

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top.

Step 8

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

Step 9

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Step 10

Serve warm and enjoy your Ziti Spinach and Mushroom Casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2562.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4004.2

Total Fat 224.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 114.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 630.8mg	0%
Sodium 6643.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 336.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.5g	0%
Total Sugars 44.9g
Protein 184.1g	0%

Vitamin D 70.7IU	0%
Calcium 4046.5mg	0%
Iron 27.9mg	0%
Potassium 3435.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.3%

Protein: 17.9%

Carbs: 32.8%