This baked ziti recipe is the easiest way to feed a crowd! Saucy, cheesy, comforting, and flavorful, this fuss-free pasta is always a hit.
This baked ziti recipe features layers of saucy pasta, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella cheese. Easy to assemble and always a hit, it’s one of my go-to recipes for feeding a crowd.
I based this recipe on the baked ziti I ate as a kid. Reliably present at every potluck or party I attended, it was my favorite comfort food. I loved the jumbles of noodles mixed with tangy tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and Italian sausage or ground beef.
These days, I skip the meat, but this baked ziti recipe is still hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Try it on a weeknight, or make it the next time you’re having company over for dinner. You (and your guests) will love it!
How to Make Baked Ziti
Here’s what you’ll need to make this baked ziti recipe:
Ingredients
- Ziti, of course! Another tube-shaped pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, would work nicely too.
- Marinara sauce – I love my homemade marinara sauce here, but store-bought pasta sauce is also fair game! I recommend Rao’s.
- Ricotta cheese – It creates a creamy layer in the center of the baked ziti. Whole milk ricotta cheese will have the best creamy texture.
- Garlic, lemon zest, oregano, and red pepper flakes – I use these ingredients to season the ricotta. The garlic, oregano, and pepper flakes add classic Italian flavor, and the lemon zest brings a delicious, unexpected brightness.
- Fresh spinach – An entire pound wilts down into this comforting pasta.
- Grated mozzarella and pecorino cheese – They create the melty topping. Feel free to substitute Parmesan cheese if you don’t keep pecorino on hand.
- Torn fresh basil and chopped parsley – I sprinkle them over the final dish for a fresh, vibrant finishing touch.
- And salt and pepper – To make all the flavors pop!
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
Method
This baked ziti recipe is easy to make! Here’s how it goes:
First, cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the pasta until al dente. Be careful not to overcook it! It will soften more while it bakes.
While the pasta cooks, make the ricotta cheese mixture. Stir together the ricotta, garlic, lemon zest, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Next, sauté the spinach. Drain the pasta, and heat a glug of olive oil in the same pot. Sauté the spinach until it’s just wilted.
- Tip: Work in batches here! I do 1/2 pound at a time so that the spinach cooks evenly.
Gently squeeze some of the excess moisture out of the sautéed spinach and roughly chop it.
Then, mix everything together. Return most of the spinach and all the pasta to the pot, along with all but 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce. Stir until everything is well combined.
Finally, layer it up. Spread the remaining sauce on the bottom of a large casserole dish, and spread half the pasta mixture over it. Dollop in the ricotta and the reserved spinach, and scoop the rest of the pasta on top. Top with the grated cheese and drizzle with olive oil.
Bake the pasta at 425°F until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling, about 20 minutes. Enjoy!
How to Store and Reheat Baked Ziti
Leftover baked ziti keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat it in the microwave or a 325°F oven.
You can also 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 according to the recipe.
Can you freeze baked ziti?
Yes! This baked ziti recipe freezes well.
- Assemble it up to the point of baking, cover the pan tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Transfer it to the fridge to thaw overnight.
- To reheat, bake, covered, at 400°F until heated through, about 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until the cheese on top is browned and bubbling.
What to Serve with Baked Ziti
This baked ziti recipe is a delicious main dish. Pair it with garlic bread, garlic knots, or homemade focaccia for sopping up any stray marinara sauce. Round out the meal with a big salad. Any of these would be fantastic:
Not feeling the salad? Skip it, or opt for a simple veggie side dish instead. Roasted broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, and sautéed green beans would all be great choices.
More Favorite Comfort Food Recipes
If you love this easy baked ziti recipe, try one of these comforting dishes next:
Easy Baked Ziti
Serves 8
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.
Prevent your screen from going dark
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Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spread ½ cup marinara in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, garlic, lemon zest, oregano, red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon salt, and several grinds of pepper.
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In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain.
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Return the pot back to the stove. Over low heat, drizzle the bottom of the pot with a little olive oil and add the spinach. Toss and sauté 1 to 2 minutes until just wilted, working in batches if necessary. Turn off the heat, remove the spinach from the pot, and gently squeeze out some of the excess water. Coarsely chop it and set aside.
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Add the pasta back to the pot along with the remaining marinara, most of the chopped spinach, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, and several grinds of pepper and toss until combined.
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Add half the pasta to the baking dish, top with dollops of the ricotta, the remaining spinach, and scoop the remaining pasta on top. Top with the mozzarella and pecorino cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and bake until the cheese is browned, 16 to 22 minutes.
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Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.