baked ziti with ricotta recipe.

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🍝 Easy Baked Ziti with Ricotta (30-Minute Prep)

Creamy, cheesy baked ziti with ricotta, mozzarella, and a robust tomato sauce—prep in 30 minutes for the ultimate weeknight comfort food!

📌 Why This Recipe Wins

  • Family-friendly classic that feeds a crowd.
  • One-pan bake for minimal cleanup.
  • Make-ahead friendly—freezer instructions included.

🛒 Ingredients

Ingredient Amount Notes
Ziti (or penne) 1 lb / 450 g Any ridged tube pasta works
Olive oil 2 Tbsp Extra-virgin preferred
Onion, finely chopped 1 medium About 1 cup
Garlic, minced 3 cloves ~1 Tbsp
Crushed tomatoes 28 oz / 800 g can Fire-roasted for extra depth
Tomato paste 2 Tbsp Thickens sauce
Italian seasoning 1 ½ tsp Or equal parts oregano & basil
Red-pepper flakes (optional) ¼ tsp Adds gentle heat
Ricotta cheese 1 cup / 250 g Whole-milk for creaminess
Mozzarella, shredded 2 cups / 225 g Divide: 1 cup in mix, 1 cup topping
Parmesan, grated ½ cup / 50 g Freshly grated tastes best
Fresh basil, chopped ¼ cup Save some for garnish
Salt & black pepper to taste Season sauce & pasta water

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Boil Pasta

    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook ziti 1 minute shy of al dente (check package minus 1 min). Drain; do not rinse.

  2. Build Sauce

    • Meanwhile, warm olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion 3 min until translucent. Add garlic; cook 30 sec.
    • Stir in tomato paste; cook 1 min to caramelize. Pour in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red-pepper flakes, ½ tsp salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Simmer 8 min.

  3. Mix Cheeses

    • In a bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, half the Parmesan, and half the basil. Season lightly with salt & pepper.

  4. Assemble

    • Preheat oven to 190 °C / 375 °F.
    • Add drained ziti to the skillet of sauce; toss to coat.
    • Spread half the sauced pasta in a 23 × 33 cm (9 × 13 in) baking dish. Dollop ricotta mixture evenly. Top with remaining pasta.

  5. Top & Bake

    • Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over top.
    • Bake uncovered 20 – 25 min, until cheese is melted and edges are bubbly. Broil 2 min for a golden crust.

  6. Garnish & Serve

    • Rest 5 min, then shower with remaining fresh basil. Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp salad.

🔄 Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Stage How-To
Prep ahead Assemble completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 h before baking (add 10 min bake time from cold).
Freeze Wrap unbaked ziti in two layers of foil; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, then bake as above.
Leftovers Cool, store airtight in fridge 3 days.
Reheat Microwave single servings 2 min, or bake covered at 175 °C / 350 °F for 15 min.

💡 Tips for Best Results

  1. Undercook pasta slightly so it finishes perfectly in the oven.
  2. Whole-milk ricotta & low-moisture mozzarella prevent watery bakes.
  3. Add ½ lb browned Italian sausage to the sauce for a meaty version.
  4. Stir a handful of spinach into hot sauce for stealthy greens.

Similar Recipes:

✅ 1. Homemade Marinara Sauce

“Want to make your own sauce for baked ziti? Try my rich and flavorful [Homemade Marinara Sauce].”
🔗 Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe

✅ 2. Baked Eggplant Parmesan

“Craving more cheesy Italian comfort food? You’ll love this [Baked Eggplant Parmesan].”
🔗 Baked Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

✅ 3. Garlic Cheese Naan (as a cheesy bread side)

“Serve your ziti with this soft and cheesy [Garlic Cheese Naan] for a fusion-style dinner.”
🔗 Garlic Cheese Naan Recipe

✅ 4. Pizza Pinwheels

“These fun [Pizza Pinwheels] bring cheesy, saucy flavor in every bite—perfect for parties or lunch.”
🔗 Pizza Pinwheels Recipe

✅ 5. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken (as a protein side)

Anchor Text: “Pair your baked ziti with some light and zesty [Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken].”
🔗 Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Recipe

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