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Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

Easy Baked Ziti

Amy
This Easy Baked Ziti is a comforting classic that delivers big flavors with minimal effort. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a weeknight lifesaver that feels indulgent yet effortless.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6

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 9x13-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.
Keyword baked ziti, cheesy casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, Italian Pasta
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