Baked Ziti — Ad-Free Recipe, Ingredients First

Undercook the ziti hard, because it keeps cooking in the oven and absorbs sauce, so pasta that was al dente in the pot ends up mush in the dish. Reserve some sauce to coat the top layer or the exposed pasta dries out and burns.

The Ingredients — and where to get them

Cook for 8 servings

Ziti

Tube pasta that holds sauce in its center; boil it four minutes short since it finishes in the oven.

1 lb

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Canned tomatoes

Crushed tomatoes make the base sauce; simmer with garlic until it clings to a spoon.

2 (28 oz) cans

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Ricotta

Whole-milk ricotta dolloped through the pasta for creamy pockets; drain it if watery.

15 oz

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Mozzarella

Low-moisture shreds through the middle and across the top for the melt.

12 oz, shredded

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Parmesan

Grated into the ricotta and over the top for a savory browned crust.

1 cup grated

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Olive oil

For building the sauce and softening the aromatics.

3 tbsp

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Onion, garlic, and basil

One diced onion and garlic for the sauce, basil stirred in at the end.

1 onion, 4 cloves, handful basil

Onion → Garlic →

The Rundown

Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge

A light hand — your arteries say thanks.

EffortSome doing

Cook it with

Air fryerOne-potSheet pan

The Method

Make the sauceSoften the onion and garlic in oil, add the crushed tomatoes, and simmer 25 minutes. Stir in basil.
Undercook the zitiBoil the ziti four minutes short of al dente and drain; it firms and softens again in the oven.
CombineToss the pasta with most of the sauce and the ricotta-parmesan mix, folding in half the mozzarella.
Layer and bakeSpread in a dish, top with reserved sauce and the rest of the mozzarella, and bake at 400F for 25 minutes until browned and bubbling.

The Toolkit

Baking dish · Large pot · Fine grater · Wooden spoon · Colander

Straight Answers

Can you make Baked Ziti in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Baked Ziti? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Baked Ziti ahead of time? — Prep ahead

Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.

Is Baked Ziti gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Baked Ziti vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.426

Baked Ziti, and where to source it