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Easy Baked Ziti is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines al dente pasta with rich tomato sauce and a luscious blend of cheeses.
What makes this recipe special is its perfect balance of flavors and textures — tangy marinara, creamy ricotta enhanced with garlic and lemon zest, smoky mozzarella, and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes.
It’s also boosted with fresh spinach, adding fiber and essential nutrients while keeping the dish vibrant and wholesome.
From a nutritional perspective, this baked ziti is high in protein thanks to the cheese and ricotta, while the spinach provides fiber and antioxidants.
Using extra-virgin olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and keeps saturated fat low.
This recipe is easy to prepare, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or meal prep for a family. Its baked format allows you to prepare ahead and enjoy leftovers that taste even better the next day, making it both satisfying and convenient.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
9×13-Inch Baking Dish
Essential for layering and baking the ziti evenly. Its size perfectly accommodates this recipe, and it’s a versatile kitchen staple for casseroles and lasagnas.
Large Pot
Needed for boiling pasta and sautéing spinach. A heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heating and prevents burning during spinach sauté.
Mixing Bowl
Ideal for blending the ricotta with garlic, lemon zest, and spices. A medium bowl with a smooth interior makes mixing effortless and mess-free.
Cheese Grater
A quality grater is crucial for finely shredding mozzarella and pecorino, ensuring even melting and flavor distribution throughout the dish.
Spatula or Large Spoon
Perfect for tossing the pasta and spinach with sauce and for layering the ingredients in the baking dish with ease and control.
Quick and Comforting Baked Ziti
Equipment
- 1 (9×13-inch) baking dish
- 1 large pot for boiling pasta and sautéing spinach
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- Cheese grater
- Spatula or large spoon
Ingredients
- 4 cups 32 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cups 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 garlic cloves finely minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt plus extra for pasta water
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
- 1 pound fresh spinach leaves
- 1½ cups shredded smoked mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley and/or basil leaves chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to preheat. Lightly coat the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with about half a cup of marinara sauce, spreading it evenly to create a flavorful base layer.
- Mix the Ricotta Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the minced garlic, lemon zest, oregano, red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly blended into a smooth, fragrant mixture.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture—firm but tender. Drain the pasta well once cooked.
- Sauté the Spinach: Return the empty pot to the stove over low heat. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil into the pot and add the fresh spinach in batches. Toss and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts but remains vibrant green. Remove the spinach from the heat and gently squeeze out excess moisture. Chop coarsely and set aside.
- Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Spinach: Place the drained pasta back into the pot. Pour in the remaining marinara sauce, most of the wilted spinach, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, and fresh black pepper to taste. Toss everything gently until well mixed and evenly coated.
- Layer the Ziti: Spoon half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dot the surface with spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture. Add the remaining spinach evenly over the ricotta. Top with the rest of the pasta. Sprinkle the shredded smoked mozzarella and grated pecorino cheese evenly over the top. Finish by drizzling a little extra-virgin olive oil across the surface.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 16 to 22 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and has turned a delicious golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked ziti from the oven. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and/or basil leaves on top before serving hot.
Notes
- Pasta Tip: Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture helps maintain a nice bite after baking.
- Spinach Prep: Removing excess water from the spinach prevents the dish from becoming watery.
- Cheese Options: Smoked mozzarella adds a subtle depth of flavor, but you can substitute with regular mozzarella if preferred.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the dish up to a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it straight from the fridge—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
Chef’s Secrets for Ultimate Flavor
Achieving the perfect baked ziti goes beyond just combining ingredients.
Start with quality marinara sauce—homemade or store-bought with simple, fresh flavors works best to avoid overpowering the dish.
Don’t skip the lemon zest in the ricotta mix; it adds a subtle brightness that lifts the richness of the cheese.
When cooking the pasta, aim for al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.
Sautéing the spinach lightly rather than steaming or boiling preserves its vibrant color and fresh taste while reducing excess moisture that can water down your dish.
Finally, layering the ingredients thoughtfully ensures every bite delivers a harmonious balance of creamy cheese, savory sauce, and tender pasta.
For an extra golden top, drizzle olive oil before baking, which encourages browning and adds a silky finish.
Serving Suggestions to Impress Guests
Easy Baked Ziti pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh sides to balance its richness.
Serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a tangy balsamic glaze for contrast.
Garlic bread or crusty artisan rolls complement the cheesy, saucy pasta perfectly, soaking up any extra sauce.
For a heartier meal, consider roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts tossed in olive oil and herbs.
This dish also works well with a light, fruity red wine such as a Chianti or Pinot Noir, which cuts through the cheese and enhances the tomato flavors.
When serving a crowd, garnish with fresh herbs just before plating to add visual appeal and fresh aroma.
Storage Tips for Best Freshness
To keep your baked ziti tasting fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain the dish’s texture and prevent the pasta from drying out.
You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of water or marinara to keep moisture.
For longer storage, freeze the baked ziti before baking or after it has cooled completely.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will keep well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly to preserve the layers and flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered
1. Can I use other pasta types instead of ziti?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni work well in this dish, offering similar texture and ability to hold sauce.
2. Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely. This recipe is naturally vegetarian, as it contains no meat. For vegan options, substitute ricotta and cheeses with plant-based alternatives.
3. How can I make this dish ahead of time?
Assemble the baked ziti in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it directly from the fridge, adding extra time to ensure it’s heated through.
4. What can I add to make this recipe more protein-rich?
Incorporate cooked ground turkey, Italian sausage, or plant-based protein crumbles for added protein without losing the original flavor.
5. Can I freeze leftover baked ziti?
Yes, leftovers freeze well. Store portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole dish tightly for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
This recipe is inspired by loveandlemons and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.