Delicious easy baked ziti in a creamy sauce with cheese and herbs

Easy Baked Ziti

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Easy Baked Ziti is a delicious and comforting dish that everyone loves. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, this meal is sure to please. Plus, it’s simple to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great option for both novice cooks and experienced chefs.

how to make Easy Baked Ziti

Ingredients :

  • 4 cups (32 ounces) marinara sauce
  • 2 cups (16 ounces) ricotta cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ¾ teaspoon sea salt (more for the pasta water)
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • Extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
  • 1 pound fresh spinach
  • 1½ cups grated smoked mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley and/or torn basil leaves (for garnish)

Directions :

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spread ½ cup marinara in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, garlic, lemon zest, oregano, red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon salt, and several grinds of fresh pepper.
  3. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain.
  4. Return the pot to the stove. Over low heat, drizzle a little olive oil in the pot and add the spinach. Toss and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until just wilted. You may need to do this in batches. Turn off the heat, remove the spinach, and gently squeeze out excess water. Coarsely chop it and set aside.
  5. Add the pasta back to the pot along with the remaining marinara, most of the chopped spinach, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, and more black pepper. Toss until combined.
  6. Add half the pasta to the baking dish, top with dollops of the ricotta, the remaining spinach, and the rest of the pasta. Top with mozzarella and pecorino cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and bake until the cheese is browned, about 16 to 22 minutes.
  7. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.

how to serve Easy Baked Ziti

Serve Easy Baked Ziti hot from the oven. It’s great on its own or you can pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for added flavor.

how to store Easy Baked Ziti

If you have leftovers, let the baked ziti cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked ziti for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

tips to make Easy Baked Ziti

  • Use a mix of cheeses for a creamier texture. You can add ricotta, mozzarella, and even some cottage cheese.
  • Feel free to sneak in some vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition.
  • Make it spicier by increasing the amount of red pepper flakes or adding some chopped jalapeños.

variation

You can easily adapt this recipe to make it vegetarian by adding more vegetables or using vegan cheese for a dairy-free option. You could also add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef for added protein if you prefer a meatier dish.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any short pasta like penne or fusilli instead of ziti.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the baking step and then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just increase the baking time if it’s chilled.

How do I reheat leftovers?
You can reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but the oven will keep the cheese nice and bubbly.