Ricotta-Stuffed Baked Ziti with Tomato Core

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting pasta dish featuring a surprise burst of tomato sauce at the heart of each serving, encased in a creamy ricotta mixture. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 50 minutes pairs ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 oz ziti for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in 1/2 tsp dried oregano and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine 1 cup marinara sauce, the drained ziti, 1 cup ricotta, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Divide the mixture into 4 portions, pressing each into a bowl to form a mound. Place 1/2 cup of the remaining marinara sauce in the center of each mound, then cover with the remaining ziti mixture to seal the sauce inside.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the mounds to a greased baking dish, top with 1/2 cup grated mozzarella, and bake for 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  5. Step 5: Let rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ricotta-Stuffed Baked Ziti with Tomato Core take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (25 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Ricotta-Stuffed Baked Ziti with Tomato Core?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ziti pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ricotta-Stuffed Baked Ziti with Tomato Core?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Ricotta-Stuffed Baked Ziti with Tomato Core for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Ricotta-Stuffed Baked Ziti with Tomato Core?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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