Easy Baked Ziti: A Comforting Crowd-Pleaser
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, filled with noodles, tangy tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and sometimes 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 for your next dinner party—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
| Ingredient | Details |
|---|---|
| Ziti | Another tube-shaped pasta like penne or rigatoni works too. |
| Marinara Sauce | Homemade is best, but store-bought, like Rao’s, is acceptable. |
| Ricotta Cheese | Whole milk ricotta gives the best creamy texture. |
| Seasonings | Garlic, lemon zest, oregano, and red pepper flakes add flavor. |
| Fresh Spinach | One pound will wilt down nicely in the dish. |
| Grated Mozzarella and Pecorino Cheese | For a melty topping; substitute Parmesan if needed. |
| Fresh Basil and Parsley | For garnishing. |
| Salt and Pepper | Essential for balancing flavors. |
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
Method
This baked ziti recipe is easy to make! Here’s how it goes:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the pasta until al dente, avoiding overcooking.
- Make the Ricotta Mixture: Combine ricotta, garlic, lemon zest, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté the Spinach: Drain pasta and heat olive oil in the pot. Sauté spinach until wilted.
- Mix Together: Combine the spinach, pasta, and most of the tomato sauce.
- Layer: Spread remaining sauce in a dish, add half the pasta mixture, doling out ricotta, then top with the rest of the pasta, finishing with cheese.
- Bake: At 425°F for about 20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
How to Store and Reheat Baked Ziti
Leftover baked ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or a 325°F oven.
You can also prepare this recipe ahead of time: Assemble it a few hours or up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and let sit at room temperature before baking.
Can you freeze baked ziti?
Yes! This baked ziti recipe freezes well.
- Assemble up to the point of baking and cover tightly with foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat covered at 400°F for about 30 minutes until heated through, then uncover to brown the cheese.
What to Serve with Baked Ziti
This baked ziti is a delicious main dish. Pair it with:
- Garlic bread or garlic knots
- Homemade focaccia
- A simple salad or vegetable side dish like roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans
More Favorite Comfort Food Recipes
If you love this easy baked ziti recipe, try one of these comforting dishes next: