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This easy baked ziti is the kind of pasta bake that disappears fast. Ziti is tossed with a garlicky tomato sauce, layered with creamy ricotta and plenty of mozzarella, then baked until the cheese is golden and bubbling. It's a straightforward vegetarian dinner that feeds a crowd and reheats beautifully — perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a family.
Pro Tip
Cook the ziti 2 minutes less than the package directions — it will finish cooking in the oven and absorb the sauce. Overcooked pasta before baking leads to a mushy final dish. For extra cheesy pull, add a second layer of mozzarella on top in the last 5 minutes of baking.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti or penne
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 15 oz whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more to garnish
- 2 cups divided shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
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Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook ziti for 2 minutes less than the package directions — it should be slightly underdone (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
- 2
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in marinara sauce, add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 3
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, chopped parsley, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Stir until smooth.
- 4
Add the drained ziti to the tomato sauce and toss to coat evenly. Spread half the sauced pasta into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Dollop the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella over the ricotta. Add the remaining sauced pasta on top.
- 5
Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and all the Parmesan. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
- 6
Remove the foil and bake for a further 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden in spots, and the edges are bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Total time: 15 min prep + 50 min cook · Serves: 6 · Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used.
Cooking guide: Easy Family Dinner Ideas for Busy Weeknights
