This Easy Baked Ziti is a comforting classic that delivers big flavors with minimal effort. Creamy ricotta, tangy marinara, and gooey mozzarella meld together in every bite, while the al dente pasta adds the perfect chew. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a weeknight lifesaver that feels indulgent yet effortless.
The golden, bubbly cheese crust gives way to a rich, saucy interior that’s both hearty and satisfying. With a prep time of only 15 minutes, you’ll have more time to enjoy this crowd-pleaser with family or friends. It’s the ultimate dish for cozy dinners or impromptu gatherings, guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients for Easy Baked Ziti
- 4 cups (32 ounces) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups (16 ounces) ricotta cheese (whole milk for creaminess)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (freshly grated for best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon oregano (dried or fresh)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt, plus more for pasta water
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 pound ziti pasta (penne or rigatoni work as substitutes)
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- 1 pound fresh spinach (baby spinach works well)
- 1½ cups grated smoked mozzarella cheese (regular mozzarella can be used)
- ¼ cup grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese (for a nutty finish)
- Chopped fresh parsley and/or torn basil leaves, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread ½ cup marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, minced garlic, lemon zest, oregano, red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and several grinds of fresh black pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Return the pot to the stove over low heat. Drizzle the bottom with a little olive oil and add the spinach. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, working in batches if needed, until just wilted. Remove from the pot, gently squeeze out excess water, coarsely chop, and set aside.
- Add the cooked pasta back to the pot along with the remaining marinara sauce, most of the chopped spinach, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, and more fresh black pepper. Toss until well combined.
- Add half the pasta mixture to the baking dish. Top with dollops of the ricotta mixture and the remaining spinach. Scoop the remaining pasta on top.
- Sprinkle the smoked mozzarella and pecorino or Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 22 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot and enjoy!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This Easy Baked Ziti is a hearty dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a lighter option, try serving it with steamed vegetables like broccoli or roasted asparagus. A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, complements the rich flavors beautifully.
Make It Your Own: Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize this dish to suit your taste! Swap the spinach for kale or Swiss chard, or add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef for a meaty twist. If you’re dairy-free, use plant-based ricotta and mozzarella. For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinara.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
To save time, use pre-washed spinach and pre-grated cheeses. You can also prepare the ricotta mixture and cook the pasta a day ahead, storing them separately in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply assemble and pop it in the oven. This dish is perfect for meal prep or last-minute dinners!
Storage and Reheating Made Easy
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Add a splash of water or marinara to keep it moist while reheating.
Essential Equipment for Success
You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish, a large pot for boiling pasta, and a medium mixing bowl for the ricotta mixture. A colander for draining the pasta and a sharp knife for chopping spinach are also helpful. If you don’t have a zester, a fine grater works well for the lemon zest.
Easy Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 4 cups marinara sauce 32 ounces
- 2 cups ricotta cheese 16 ounces
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3/4 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
- 1 1/2 cups grated smoked mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley and/or torn basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spread ½ cup marinara in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, garlic, lemon zest, oregano, red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon salt, and several grinds of fresh pepper.
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain.
- 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.
- Add the pasta back to the pot along with the remaining marinara, most of the chopped spinach, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, and more fresh pepper and toss until combined.
- 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.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.