Easy Baked Ziti
Prep
15 mins
Cook
30 mins
Servings
8
Difficulty
Medium
When I'm looking for a weeknight dinner that doesn't require much fussing, this easy baked ziti is my go to. The whole thing comes together in under an hour, and most of the work is just mixing ingredients and letting the oven do the heavy lifting. I love how the creamy ricotta mixture pairs with the tangy marinara, and the fresh spinach sneaks in some wonderful nutrients and greens without making you feel like you're eating health food. Best of all, it's incredibly budget friendly and uses mostly pantry staples, so you can throw it together with what you probably already have on hand.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 946 mlmarinara sauce((32 ounces))
- 473 mlricotta cheese((16 ounces))
- 12 garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 tablespoonlemon zest
- 1 teaspoondried oregano
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
- ¾ teaspoonsea salt
- 1freshly ground black pepper
- 11 pound ziti pasta
- 1extra-virgin olive oil(for drizzling)
- 11 pound fresh spinach
- 237 mlgrated mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cupgrated pecorino or parmesan cheese
- 1chopped fresh parsley and/or torn basil leaves(for garnish)
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spread ½ cup marinara in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- 2
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, garlic, lemon zest, oregano, red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon salt, and several grinds of pepper.
- 3
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain.
- 4
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.
- 5
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.
- 6
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.
- 7
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.
Recipe Variations
Get AI-powered ingredient substitution suggestions.
You Might Also Like
Beergarita
My go to drink for summer gatherings is this refreshing Beergarita, and let me tell you, it's a total crowd pleaser. The combination of tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and a cold Corona creates something that tastes way more complicated than it actually is. Lime juice is packed with vitamin C, which is great for your immune system, and the whole thing takes just five minutes to throw together. Best part? It's incredibly budget friendly since you're probably already stocking most of these ingredients anyway.
Tropical Quinoa
This tropical quinoa bowl has become my go to weeknight dinner because it comes together in just forty minutes and tastes like a mini vacation on a plate. Quinoa is one of my favorite ingredients since it's a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids, making it so satisfying and perfect for keeping energy levels steady. The combination of papaya, red bell pepper, and fresh cilantro brings vibrant flavors and colors, while the rice wine vinegar and orange zest add just the right brightness. Best part is the ingredient list is simple and affordable, yet feels fancy enough to impress anyone at your table.
Coconut & raspberry crush
Have you tried making a drink that's both refreshing and genuinely good for you? This coconut and raspberry crush is my go to when I want something special without the fuss. The best part is how quick it comes together in just ten minutes of prep. Coconut water is absolutely fantastic for hydration, packed with natural electrolytes that your body actually needs. I love combining it with tart raspberries and a hint of mint for that perfect balance of sweet and zingy. It's simple, it's delicious, and honestly, it feels like you're treating yourself to something fancy.
Reviews
Sign in to write a review.