If you’re looking for a comforting dinner that feels like a warm hug, this Baked Ziti Recipe is absolutely the answer. Combining tender pasta, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and a tangy marinara sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, cheesy masterpiece. Whether for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this dish is a guaranteed way to bring smiles and satisfied appetites to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Baked Ziti Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in balancing creaminess, tang, and texture. From pasta that holds the sauce beautifully to cheeses that melt into a luscious topping, these essentials are pantry-friendly and easy to find.
- 1 lb ziti pasta: A perfect tubular pasta that holds sauce inside and out for every bite.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Adds a vibrant tomato flavor and moisture to tie everything together.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese: Offers creamy richness that softens the bite and adds a mild tang.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts to a bubbly, stretchy topping that’s irresistible.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Gives a salty, nutty sharpness that brightens the dish.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that enhances the marinara with herbal depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, boil the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente—tender but still with a slight bite. Drain it well, ensuring no excess water dilutes the sauce later.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together the cooked ziti, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This mixture is the heart of your Baked Ziti Recipe. The ricotta smooths the texture, while the seasoning adds a fragrant punch that makes the dish truly sing.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Grab a baking dish and spread half the pasta mixture evenly on the bottom. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella over this layer, adding gooey richness. Follow up with the remaining pasta mixture, then top everything with the rest of the mozzarella and a generous dusting of Parmesan for that golden crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your assembled dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce is bubbling eagerly and the cheese on top turns a beautiful golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving hot, so those flavors meld even more.
How to Serve Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a fresh, green pop that lifts the richness of the dish beautifully. For an extra layer of flavor, consider a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle hint of heat.
Side Dishes
Baked ziti shines as the star, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette to cut through the cheese. Garlic bread or a crusty loaf is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce and cheese—never waste a bite!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Baked Ziti Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for personal portions. This approach not only looks inviting but keeps the cheese delectably melty right at the table. Alternatively, top with extra fresh herbs or a scattering of toasted pine nuts for a surprising crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked ziti is a delight for the next day. Simply cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick meals ahead.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Assemble the baked ziti in a freezer-safe dish, cover it well to prevent freezer burn, and freeze before baking. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a bit of extra time if it’s still cold in the center.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil initially to avoid over-browning, removing it near the end to crisp up the cheese topping again.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta instead of ziti?
Absolutely! Penne or rigatoni work great as they also hold sauce well, but ziti’s shape is classic for a reason—it lets every bite catch just the right amount of cheese and marinara.
Is it possible to make this Baked Ziti Recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is naturally vegetarian as written, but to keep it meat-free, just be sure your marinara sauce does not contain any meat or meat broth. You can also add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake later?
Definitely! You can assemble the entire dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta on hand, cottage cheese is a decent substitute—just blend it slightly for a smoother texture. Cream cheese mixed with a splash of milk can also work, though it will shift the flavor slightly.
How do I prevent the baked ziti from drying out?
Make sure your pasta is well coated with the sauce mixture before baking, and don’t skimp on the cheeses to maintain moisture. Covering the dish with foil for the first part of baking can help retain steam, removing it near the end for that delicious golden crust.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Baked Ziti Recipe with you is like passing along a little piece of comfort and happiness from my kitchen to yours. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Give it a try, gather your loved ones around the table, and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite together!
Print
Baked Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Pasta Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This classic Baked Ziti recipe combines tender pasta with creamy ricotta, savory marinara sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses for a comforting and hearty Italian-American casserole perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Cheeses
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and cook pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread half of the pasta-cheese mixture evenly into a baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over this layer. Next, layer the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish by topping with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top has melted and turned golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving for best texture.
Notes
- Use whole milk ricotta cheese for a creamier texture.
- For added flavor, you can incorporate cooked ground beef or Italian sausage into the sauce before mixing.
- Letting the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.
- Substitute gluten-free pasta if needed to make the dish gluten-free.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven.
