Baked Ziti Recipe for Everyone

The scent of bubbling cheese and rich tomato sauce wafts through the air as you slice into a steaming dish of baked ziti. This classic comfort food is like a warm hug on a plate, inviting you to dive in with abandon. Picture perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a luscious marinara, topped with gooey mozzarella and sprinkled with fresh herbs—what’s not to love?

I remember the first time I made baked ziti for my family. As soon as they caught a whiff of that savory aroma, their eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning! It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table and keeps them there long after the last bite has been savored.

Sharing this dish always leads to smiles and requests for seconds—who doesn’t want more cheesy goodness? It’s like a friendly competition to see who can scrape out the last bit from the baking dish.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ziti Pasta: Opt for medium-sized ziti to hold onto sauce beautifully; cook until al dente for best results.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce; it adds depth and richness.
• Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese brings a delightful texture; look for whole milk ricotta for extra creaminess.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Choose part-skim mozzarella for melting qualities and flavor; it’s essential for that gooey top layer.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a nutty kick; always better than pre-grated versions.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Finely chop fresh herbs right before serving; they add brightness and color to your dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance flavors; use them generously but taste as you go.
• Olive Oil: Drizzling some olive oil over the pasta helps prevent sticking; it adds flavor too!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, grab your trusty pot and fill it with water. Add a generous pinch of salt—it should taste like the sea—and bring it to a rolling boil.

Cook the Ziti: Once boiling, toss in the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it back to its pot while it’s still warm.

Mix in the Marinara: Pour half of your marinara sauce over the hot pasta. Stir gently until every nook and cranny of those noodles gets coated in that tangy goodness.

Add Ricotta Cheese: Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese into the pot. Gently fold it into the pasta mixture—think of it as giving your noodles a luxurious spa treatment!

Layer Your Casserole Dish: Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread half of your saucy ziti mixture into an even layer at the bottom. Sprinkle about half of your mozzarella cheese over this base layer.

Top It Off: Spread out the remaining ziti mixture over the cheese layer like you’re frosting a cake. Finally, sprinkle more mozzarella on top along with parmesan cheese—because who doesn’t love extra cheese?

Bake Until Golden: Cover your baking dish with foil (shiny side down) and pop it in your preheated oven. Bake for about 25 minutes until heated through, then remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Let your masterpiece sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving—this will help set everything together so you can cut nice squares without it falling apart like my New Year’s resolutions!

With every bite, you’ll be transported back to comforting family dinners filled with laughter. Enjoy sharing this delicious baked ziti with loved ones—you might just become their new favorite chef!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Cook the pasta until al dente, prepare the sauce while it simmers, then layer everything together for baking. This ensures a balanced flavor and texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or cheeses. Spinach, mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add delightful twists.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Baked Ziti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.

Cooking Baked Ziti brings back memories of family gatherings and laughter around the dinner table, where seconds were always requested.

FAQ

What type of pasta is best for Baked Ziti?

Ziti or penne works great due to their hollow shapes holding sauce beautifully.

Can I make Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it a day in advance and bake when you’re ready to serve.

How do I prevent Baked Ziti from drying out?

Cover it with foil during baking and remove it during the last 10 minutes for browning.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Baked Ziti

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: About 8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in this easy-to-make baked ziti, layered with rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella—perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and return to the pot.
3. Stir half of the marinara sauce into the warm ziti until well-coated.
4. Gently fold in dollops of ricotta cheese until evenly mixed.
5. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the ziti mixture and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
6. Add the remaining ziti mixture on top and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
8. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Customize your baked ziti by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
• For meal prep, assemble in advance and bake when ready to serve.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 50mg