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.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a small amount of olive oil and set aside.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Add the cooked ziti and the sautéed spinach and mushroom mixture to the bowl with the sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top.
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.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy your Ziti Spinach and Mushroom Casserole!
Calories |
4004 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 224.9 g | 288% | |
| Saturated Fat | 114.2 g | 571% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 631 mg | 210% | |
| Sodium | 6644 mg | 289% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 336.6 g | 122% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 37.5 g | 134% | |
| Total Sugars | 44.9 g | ||
| Protein | 184.1 g | 368% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.8 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 4046 mg | 311% | |
| Iron | 27.9 mg | 155% | |
| Potassium | 3435 mg | 73% | |
*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.