Baked Ziti With Zucchini, Spinach & Mushrooms

This easy Baked Ziti With Zucchini is cheesy, saucy, and sneaks in veggies without anyone putting up a fight. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and because leftovers are even better the next day, it’s perfect for meal prep too.

Originally published June 2019 – Updated August 2025

Baked Ziti With Zucchini, Spinach & Mushrooms

It’s not easy getting everyone excited about veggies, but with this Baked Ziti with Zucchini, it doesn’t have to be a battle. It has all the saucy, cheesy goodness of classic baked ziti but with fresh, tender vegetables added to every bite. The combination of pasta, ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese makes it seriously hard to resist.

I love how flexible it is too. Ground turkey is an easy way to add protein, but it’s just as good without it for a vegetarian version. You can toss in spinach, mushrooms, or whatever vegetables you’ve got, and it still bakes up bubbly and delicious. The best part is that you’ll probably have leftovers so you’re off dinner duty the next night.

Ingredients

• Ziti pasta: You can use penne pasta if you can’t find ziti pasta
• Zucchini: Adds freshness and a light bite to the casserole.
• Spinach: A quick way to sneak in some extra greens.
• Mushrooms: Adds a savory, earthy flavor to the ziti.
• Ground turkey: It adds lean, healthy protein to the dish.
• Parsley, chopped: Pop of color and brightens the flavor.
• Seasonings: I use a combination of dried oregano, dried basil and fresh garlic, minced.
• Pasta sauce: You can use your favorite brand or use homemade.  
• Part-skim ricotta cheese: Creamy goodness that makes this dish feel like lasagna.
• Part-skim mozzarella, shredded: Melty, stretchy cheese that ties everything together.
• Shredded parmesan: Adds sharp, nutty flavor to the top.

*Not shown: Olive oil for sauteing the veggies

How To Make This Zucchini Baked Ziti Recipe

Step 1. Preheat oven to 375°. Chop the veggies and parsley, setting the parsley aside for later.

Step 2. Boil the pasta according to the directions on the box (mine took about 10 minutes).

Step 3. While the pasta boils, sauté zucchini in olive oil for about 3-4 minutes, then add the spinach and mushrooms. Sauté for another two minutes and remove from heat.

Step 4. Brown the ground turkey. Drain and pour into a mixing bowl, then add the veggies. 

Step 5. Stir in garlic and herbs, then add the pasta sauce and mix well.

Step 6. Take a couple of spoonfuls of the tomato sauce and cover the bottom of a 9 x 13 glass pan or casserole dish.

Step 7. Add 1/2 of your cooked pasta, 1/2 of the remaining meat sauce, 1/2 of the ricotta. Then sprinkle 1/2 of the mozzarella over the top.

Step 8. Repeat this step with the remaining ingredients and top with parmesan cheese.

Step 9. Cover with foil and bake at 375° for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, then remove from the oven. Let stand for five minutes before serving, then garnish with chopped parsley or a little fresh basil and enjoy!

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container or the covered baking dish for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked ziti tightly covered with foil for up to 2 months. Then just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations And Add-Ins

• Protein: Swap the ground turkey for ground beef, chicken, or Italian sausage if you prefer.
• Heat: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Squash: Mix in yellow squash along with the chopped zucchini for more summer flavor.
• Herbs: Stir fresh basil into the ricotta layer for extra freshness.
• Cheese: Replace ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
• Onions: Add caramelized onions or roasted tomatoes for a sweeter flavor layer.

Tips And Tricks

• Don’t over cook the pasta. You want a true al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.
• This pasta dish bakes quickly so be sure to sauté the vegetables until softened before before adding them to the dish.
• Drain any excess liquid from the zucchini so the baked ziti doesn’t turn watery.
• Let the baked pasta rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting so the layers hold together.

FAQS

More Delicious Pasta Recipes

If your family loves pasta, you’ll want to try these recipes too!

• Chicken Pasta Casserole
• Hot Dog Pasta
• Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
• Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Pasta Shells
• Homemade Lasagna
• Taco Tortellini
• Meatless Baked Ziti