Name: Baked Ziti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 4 cups marinara sauce 32 ounces; 2 cups ricotta cheese 16 ounces; 2 garlic cloves minced; 1 tbsp lemon zest; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 3/4 tsp sea salt divided; freshly ground black pepper; 1 pound ziti pasta; extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling; 1 pound fresh spinach; 1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese; fresh parsley and/or basil for garnish

01

Overview

Prep15 min

Cook30 min

Total45 min

Servings8

DifficultyEasy

02

Ingredients

4 cups marinara sauce32 ounces2 cups ricotta cheese16 ounces2 garlic clovesminced1 tbsp lemon zest1 tsp dried oregano1/4 tsp red pepper flakes3/4 tsp sea saltdivided freshly ground black pepper1 pound ziti pasta extra-virgin olive oilfor drizzling1 pound fresh spinach1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese1/4 cup grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese fresh parsley and/or basilfor garnish

03

Equipment

Large pot
9x13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowl
Colander
Wooden spoon

04

Method

01

Season the ricotta

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spread 1/2 cup marinara in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Stir ricotta with garlic, lemon zest, oregano, red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and several grinds of pepper.

02

Cook pasta and spinach

Boil the ziti in salted water until al dente; drain. In the same pot, drizzle olive oil and wilt the spinach in batches 1 to 2 minutes. Squeeze gently, chop, and set aside. Return pasta to the pot with remaining marinara, most of the spinach, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper; toss.

03

Layer and bake

Add half the pasta to the dish, dollop the ricotta and remaining spinach, then add the rest of the pasta. Top with mozzarella and pecorino, drizzle with olive oil, and bake 16 to 22 minutes until the cheese is browned. Garnish with herbs.

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Tips

NoteAurora prefers the garnish. I prefer the last bite.

NoteMake it once, then make it yours with tiny swaps.

NoteLeftovers are friends if you store them kindly.

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Nutrition

Caloriesvaries

NoteApproximate; depends on servings and toppings

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Storage

RefrigeratorStore covered and reheat gently when needed.

Best freshFlavor and texture are happiest the day you make it.

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Frequently asked

Can I change it a little?+

Yes — keep the heart of the method and swap toppings or veggies as you like.

How do I store leftovers?+

Cool, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat gently when needed.

Is this hard?+

No — easy steps, soft kitchen energy.

Baked Ziti

Overview

Ingredients

Equipment