Baked Ziti Alfredo with Spinach Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Baked Ziti Alfredo with Spinach - a comforting, easy baking recipe that combines al dente pasta with a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce and nutrient-packed spinach. This foolproof family favorite features a perfect cheese blend that creates a golden, bubbling top when baked.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

25 mins

Cook Time:

35 mins

Serves:

8 servings

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">450g ziti pasta (or penne)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">30g unsalted butter</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">3 cloves garlic, minced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp all-purpose flour</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">475ml whole milk</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">240ml heavy cream</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">100g Parmesan cheese, freshly grated</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp ground nutmeg</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp black pepper</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">300g fresh spinach, roughly chopped</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">250g mozzarella cheese, grated and divided</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">100g ricotta cheese</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)</li> </ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving

🔥 Calories: 485 calories

🥑 Fat: 28 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 16 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 40 g

🍭 Sugar: 4 g

🍗 Protein: 18 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 85 mg

🧂 Sodium: 620 mg

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Large pot for boiling pasta</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">30 x 20 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Heavy-bottom saucepan</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Whisk</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease your baking dish with a touch of butter or cooking spray. This preparation ensures your delicious pasta won't stick to the dish when serving. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the ziti pasta for 2 minutes less than the package instructions indicate – you're looking for very al dente pasta as it will continue cooking in the oven. The pasta should have a firm bite still. Drain well but don't rinse – the starchy coating will help the sauce adhere better. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> While the pasta cooks, prepare your Alfredo sauce. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned (browning garlic can create bitter flavors). </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Sprinkle the flour over the butter-garlic mixture and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes to create a roux – this will thicken your sauce. The roux should bubble slightly and turn a light golden color. This cooking process eliminates the raw flour taste and creates the foundation for a silky sauce. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Gradually pour in the milk and cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. This gradual addition is crucial – adding all the liquid at once can result in a lumpy sauce. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to simmer and thicken, about 5-7 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still flow freely. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Reduce heat to low and add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and incorporated. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. The nutmeg might seem unusual, but it's a classic addition that enhances the creamy flavors without being detectable as a distinct flavor. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Add the chopped spinach to the sauce in batches, allowing each addition to wilt before adding more. Spinach reduces dramatically in volume when cooked, so don't be alarmed by the initial amount. The heat from the sauce will perfectly wilt the spinach without overcooking it, preserving its vibrant green color and nutrients. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta, Alfredo-spinach sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and the fresh basil. The warm pasta will slightly melt the cheeses, creating pockets of creaminess throughout the dish. Mix gently but thoroughly to ensure even distribution. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Transfer the pasta mixture to your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the surface – this will create that irresistible golden, bubbly top layer everyone loves. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4> Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown with some crispy spots. For an extra golden top, switch to the grill (broiler) for the final 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4> Remove from the oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving neater. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and serve while still warm, when the cheese is at its most gloriously melty. </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Baked Ziti Alfredo with Spinach Recipe?

This creamy pasta bake requires ziti pasta, butter, garlic, flour, milk, cream, Parmesan, nutmeg, spinach, mozzarella, ricotta, and fresh basil. The combination creates a rich Alfredo sauce that coats the pasta and spinach before being baked with a golden cheese topping.

How to cook Baked Ziti Alfredo with Spinach Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Baked Ziti Alfredo with Spinach Recipe by boiling pasta until al dente, making a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce with butter, flour, milk and cream, folding in wilted spinach, combining with three cheeses, then baking until golden and bubbly. The key is cooking the pasta 2 minutes under package time as it continues cooking in the oven.

Can I make this creamy pasta bake ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this dish up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate unbaked. When ready to serve, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake for 35-40 minutes until hot and bubbly. It also freezes well for up to 3 months if tightly wrapped.

What's the secret to a smooth, lump-free Alfredo sauce?

For silky Alfredo sauce, ensure you cook the roux (butter and flour) properly for about 2 minutes, then add liquids gradually while whisking continuously. Use room temperature milk and cream if possible, and add cheese off the heat. Fresh-grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-packaged versions.

How can I add protein to this pasta bake without altering the creamy texture?

Grilled chicken, Italian sausage, or shrimp work beautifully in this dish. For chicken or sausage, cook and slice before folding in with the pasta mixture. For shrimp, add them raw to the pasta mixture; they'll cook perfectly during baking without becoming rubbery.

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