If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor and loaded with nutritious greens, you’ve just hit the jackpot with this Creamy Roasted Garlic Spinach Ziti. This recipe brings together the mellow sweetness of roasted garlic, the earthiness of fresh spinach, and a trio of creamy cheeses for a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to tender ziti pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Roasted Garlic Spinach Ziti checks all the boxes for a satisfying meal. It’s rich and indulgent without feeling heavy, thanks to the freshness of spinach and the bright punch of roasted garlic. The sauce is incredibly creamy but balanced with a touch of sharp Parmesan and gooey mozzarella. Plus, it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve guests. It also comes together quickly, making it a go-to when you want comfort food on the table fast. If you love dishes like Spinach Mushroom Alfredo Lasagna, this pasta will instantly become a staple.

Ingredient Rundown

12 oz ziti pasta: The perfect tubular pasta to hold all that creamy sauce inside.
1 bulb garlic: Roasted to bring out its natural sweetness and mellow flavor.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for roasting garlic and sautéing spinach.
5 cups fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and nutrition, wilting down to just the right amount.
1 cup heavy cream: The base of the creamy sauce, giving it a rich texture.
1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a subtle tang and creaminess to the sauce.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that melty, stretchy cheese factor everyone loves.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and depth of flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the dish perfectly.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat if you like a bit of spice.
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note.

What’s in the Gear List

Large pot for boiling pasta
Baking sheet for roasting garlic
Large skillet or sauté pan for cooking spinach and sauce
Mixing bowl for combining cheeses and cream
Colander for draining pasta
Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Measuring cups and spoons

Make Creamy Roasted Garlic Spinach Ziti: A Simple Method

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then wrap it tightly in foil. Roast for about 30–35 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden. Once cooled, squeeze the roasted garlic out of the skins and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 oz of ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.

Step 3: Sauté the Spinach

In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and cook, stirring frequently, until wilted—this should take about 3–4 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the heavy cream to the skillet with the spinach, then stir in the roasted garlic, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine everything into a smooth, creamy sauce. If it feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked ziti to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy roasted garlic spinach sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to your liking.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Garnish

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the top. Let it melt gently in the warm skillet or pop the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes to get a bubbly golden layer on top. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Low-Carb/Keto Alternatives

Swap ziti pasta for cooked zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles to reduce carbs.
Use full-fat heavy cream and cheeses to keep the fat content high and carbs low.
Add extra sautéed mushrooms or cauliflower florets for bulk and texture.
Incorporate more fresh herbs like basil and parsley for flavor without carbs.

Notes on Ingredients

Roasted garlic: Roasting transforms raw garlic’s sharpness into a sweet, mellow flavor that elevates this dish.
Spinach: Use fresh for the best texture and bright color; frozen spinach can be used but drain thoroughly.
Cheeses: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and tastes more vibrant than pre-grated varieties.
Heavy cream: Essential for creating a luscious, rich sauce that clings to the pasta.
Red pepper flakes: Totally optional but highly recommended if you enjoy a subtle heat contrast.

Best Ways to Store

This Creamy Roasted Garlic Spinach Ziti stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess. If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, stir in a splash of milk or cream to loosen it back up.

FAQ

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the full recipe, store it in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve. For best results, add fresh basil or parsley right before serving to keep the herbs vibrant.

Is it possible to freeze Creamy Roasted Garlic Spinach Ziti?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop to prevent the sauce from separating.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Of course! While ziti is ideal for holding the sauce, penne, rigatoni, or even shells would work beautifully in this recipe.

How can I make this dish vegan?

To make a plant-based version, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, use vegan ricotta and mozzarella alternatives, and ensure the Parmesan is replaced with a vegan-friendly nutritional yeast blend.

Serve with These

Roasted Garlic Zucchini Hummus – A fresh and savory dip that pairs perfectly with this pasta.
Garlic bread or crusty baguette – To soak up every bit of creamy sauce.
Simple mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette – Adds a crisp, refreshing contrast.
Roasted cherry tomatoes – Sweet bursts that balance the richness.

Save & Share

Don’t forget to bookmark this Creamy Roasted Garlic Spinach Ziti recipe for your next pasta night and share it with friends who love cheesy, garlicky dishes. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special gatherings. Happy cooking and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!

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