Easy Baked Ziti
Total Time
45 mins
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Rating
4.94 out of 5 stars
(138)
Ingredients
6-8 servings
- 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
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Preparation
Chef’s notes
This baked ziti recipe is easy to make and perfect for serving a crowd. Filled with tangy tomato sauce, al dente pasta, and three types of cheese, it's comforting and delicious.
You can make this recipe ahead. Assemble the baked ziti a few hours, or up to a day, in advance. Cover it, and store it in the fridge. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
This baked ziti recipe freezes well. Assemble it up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake, covered, at 400°F until heated through, 30 minutes to an hour. Uncover and bake until the cheese on top is browned and bubbling.