A Comfort Classic: Baked Spinach Artichoke Ziti
Let’s be honest—some dinners just feel like a warm blanket. And this baked spinach artichoke ziti? It’s cozy comfort in every bite. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender spinach and tangy artichoke hearts, it’s everything you love about a spinach artichoke dip… only better. Because now, it’s dinner.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this baked pasta never disappoints. It’s hearty without meat, indulgent without being heavy, and easy without sacrificing flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why this dish will quickly earn a spot in your dinner rotation:
- Vegetarian-friendly yet super satisfying
- Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd
- Inspired by classic dip flavors in a full-meal format
- Freezer-friendly—just bake and freeze for later
- Customizable for different cheese or veggie combos
Think of it as your favorite party appetizer turned into a full-fledged main dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta Base:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Ziti pasta | Holds the creamy sauce and bakes well |
| Olive oil | For sautéing the garlic and spinach |
| Fresh garlic (minced) | Adds depth and aroma |
| Fresh spinach (or frozen) | Provides color and nutrition |
| Artichoke hearts | Tangy flavor, adds texture |
For the Creamy Sauce:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese | Creamy texture and tangy flavor |
| Sour cream or Greek yogurt | Lightens and balances richness |
| Milk (or half-and-half) | Smooths the sauce |
| Grated Parmesan | Adds nuttiness and saltiness |
| Mozzarella cheese | Melts beautifully in the bake |
| Salt & pepper | Essential seasonings |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | Adds gentle heat |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil ziti in salted water according to package directions, but stop 1–2 minutes before al dente (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Spinach and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Toss in spinach and cook until wilted (or warm through if using frozen). Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Add chopped artichoke hearts and stir to combine.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Base
Reduce heat to low. Add:
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup milk
Stir constantly until melted and smooth.
Add ½ cup Parmesan and 1 cup mozzarella. Stir until melted into a thick, creamy sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
Step 4: Mix It All Together
In a large bowl (or in the same skillet if big enough), combine:
- Cooked ziti
- Spinach-artichoke cream sauce
Mix until pasta is evenly coated.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour in the ziti mixture and spread evenly.
Top with remaining ½ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. For extra browning, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
Want to play with the recipe? Here are some delicious ideas:
| Add-In | Effect |
|---|---|
| Chopped cooked chicken | Adds protein and makes it heartier |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | Sweet-tangy burst of flavor |
| Mushrooms | Earthy depth, sauté with spinach |
| Pesto swirl | Bright herbal note |
| Ricotta dollops | Creamy and decadent |
| Gluten-free pasta | Make it GF-friendly |
This dish is forgiving and totally customizable.
What to Serve With It
Even though it’s a meal on its own, here are a few side ideas if you’re going full dinner spread:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Garlic bread | For scooping up the cheesy sauce |
| Arugula salad | Peppery contrast to the creamy pasta |
| Roasted carrots | Sweet and earthy side |
| Tomato basil soup | Cozy, complementary pairing |
Finish it with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon, and you’re golden.
Meal Prep and Freezing Tips
This is an ideal recipe to prep ahead for busy nights.
🧊 Make-Ahead Instructions:
- Prepare the pasta up to the baking step
- Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days
- When ready to bake, let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then bake as directed
❄️ Freezing Instructions:
- Assemble in a freezer-safe container
- Cover with foil and freeze up to 3 months
- Bake straight from frozen at 375°F for 45–50 minutes (covered), then uncover and bake 10 more minutes
Tip: Freeze in individual portions for quick weekday lunches!
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~410 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 550mg |
Perfect balance of carbs, protein, and creamy satisfaction.
FAQs About Baked Spinach Artichoke Ziti
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! Just thaw and squeeze out excess liquid before using. It works just as well and is super convenient.
Can I use penne or rigatoni instead of ziti?
Absolutely. Any short tubular pasta will hold the sauce and bake beautifully.
Is it spicy?
Not unless you add red pepper flakes. You can easily make it milder or spicier to suit your preference.
Can I make it vegan?
With plant-based cream cheese, dairy-free milk, and vegan mozzarella, yes! Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a similar depth.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Or cover and bake in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
External Resources to Enhance the Experience
- 🔗 How to Cook Pasta Perfectly – Bon Appétit
- 🔗 Spinach Nutrition Benefits – Healthline
- 🔗 How to Use Artichoke Hearts – The Kitchn
- 🔗 Cheese Melting Guide – Serious Eats
- 🔗 Freezer-Friendly Pasta Dishes – EatingWell
Final Thoughts: From Dip to Dinner
If you’ve ever hovered over a bowl of spinach artichoke dip and thought, “I wish I could just eat this as a meal,”—now you can. This baked spinach artichoke ziti is creamy, cheesy, and every bit as satisfying as your favorite comfort food.
It’s the kind of dish that wins over picky eaters, impresses guests, and delivers on flavor and convenience. So go ahead, dig in. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or your next potluck hit, this one’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Bon appétit! 🧄🥬🧀
