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Classic Baked Ziti
15
min active
·
6
servings
·
45
min total
Hearty baked pasta with marinara, ricotta, and melted mozzarella in one dish.
Avo's Tip
Undercook pasta slightly.
No ziti? Penne, rigatoni, or any short ridged pasta holds the sauce just as well.
No ricotta? Drained overnight cottage cheese gives a similar texture.
No ground beef? Italian sausage adds more flavor; ground turkey keeps it lighter.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you start cooking.
Can I add meat?
Yes.
Make ahead?
Yes.
Freeze well?
Yes.
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 4 days or freeze.
Freezer: No - noodle consistency and texture braks down.
Why It Works
Simple assembly and oven baking do the work.
Popular This Week
15
min active
·
45
min total
10
min active
·
30
min total
15
min active
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30
min total
20
min active
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30
min total
10
min active
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25
min total
Ingredients
1
Marinara sauce
2
Olive oil
3
Ricotta
4
Mozzarella
5
Ziti pasta
Instructions
1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti 2 minutes less than package directions — it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce, ricotta, and a drizzle of olive oil. Stir until evenly coated.
3
Transfer the pasta mixture to a lightly greased baking dish and spread into an even layer.
4
Top generously with shredded mozzarella.
5
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden in spots. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Quick Fixes
Pasta too dry after baking: Reserve some pasta water to mix into the sauce before baking — it keeps the ziti from absorbing all the moisture.
Cheese not melting evenly: Cover with foil for the first 20 minutes, then uncover to brown the top.
ingrediENTS
—
1
Marinara sauce
—
2
Olive oil
—
3
Ricotta
—
4
Mozzarella
—
5
Ziti pasta
instructions
1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti 2 minutes less than package directions — it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce, ricotta, and a drizzle of olive oil. Stir until evenly coated.
3
Transfer the pasta mixture to a lightly greased baking dish and spread into an even layer.
4
Top generously with shredded mozzarella.
5
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden in spots. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
High comfort. Low effort. Designed for real weeknights.
RECIPE
Classic Baked Ziti
15
min active
·
45
min total
·
6
servings
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