baked ziti with ricotta recipe.

 

🍝 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!

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📌 Why This Recipe Wins

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

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🛒 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

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🍳 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.

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🔄 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.

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💡 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.

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