If you’re craving a comfort dish that wraps you in cheesy, tomatoey goodness, this Baked Ziti Recipe is the answer. It’s a warm, inviting casserole that balances tender pasta with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella, all brought together by savory marinara sauce and a hint of Italian seasoning. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this baked ziti delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Baked Ziti Recipe plays an essential role, from the hearty pasta to the luscious cheeses and robust marinara sauce. These simple, classic components come together to create unforgettable flavor and that irresistible baked crust.
- 1 lb ziti pasta: The perfect sturdy pasta shape to hold sauce and cheese, ensuring each bite is loaded with flavor.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Homemade or store-bought, it provides the rich tomato base that brings brightness and moisture.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and a mild tang that balances the acidity of the sauce.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: For that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes every serving irresistible.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Gives a sharp, nutty finish that enhances the cheesy flavors.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with fragrant, classic Italian notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the natural flavors of the ingredients.
How to Make Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly so it’s ready to be tossed with the sauce and cheeses. Perfectly cooked pasta is the foundation of this dish, ensuring every bite has the right balance of texture.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce and Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This step blends the creamy cheese and tangy tomato sauce seamlessly with the pasta, creating a flavorful base that will bake into cheesy perfection.
Step 3: Layer Your Baked Ziti
In a baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture evenly. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella over the top. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture and finish by topping everything with the rest of the mozzarella and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This layering technique ensures every slice has an even distribution of savory cheese and sauce.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Place your baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll want to look for bubbling sauce around the edges and a golden-brown crust on top. This final step melds all the flavors together and gives the dish that classic baked ziti appeal with a crispy, cheesy topping.
How to Serve Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your Baked Ziti Recipe with fresh garnishes like chopped basil or parsley sprinkled on top right before serving. These herbs add a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole. For a little extra zing, a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate the experience beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve your baked ziti alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crunchy baguette is another excellent pairing, great for mopping up any remaining sauce. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini also complement the dish nicely and add a fresh, healthy balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking your ziti in individual ramekins for an impressive personal presentation at dinner parties. Layering with additional vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or spinach can create variety and color inside the dish. Alternatively, top your baked ziti recipe with extra herbs or even dollops of ricotta after baking for a rustic, homemade touch that always wows.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover baked ziti stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as delightful, if not better. Just be sure to cool it properly before refrigerating to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
This baked ziti recipe freezes wonderfully. After baking, allow the dish to cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. You can also freeze it unbaked; just assemble as directed and cover before freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for even reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover your leftover baked ziti with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. For microwave reheating, cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid and heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring if possible for even warmth. You’ll still get that melty, delicious result every time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this baked ziti recipe?
Absolutely! While ziti is traditional, penne or rigatoni can work just as well because they have similar tubular shapes that hold sauce and cheese nicely.
Is it okay to use store-bought marinara?
Yes, using a good quality store-bought marinara saves time and can still deliver plenty of flavor. If you have homemade sauce, it’s even better, but quality is key for this dish’s success.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Definitely. This baked ziti recipe is naturally vegetarian if you skip adding any meat. You can also add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms for more variety.
How can I make the top extra crispy?
For an extra crispy top, sprinkle some additional Parmesan or Italian breadcrumbs on top before baking. Placing the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end also helps create a golden, crispy crust.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can assemble the baked ziti, keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours, and bake it fresh when guests arrive. This makes entertaining much easier without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Ziti Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings heartwarming flavors to your table with very little fuss. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a comforting solo meal. I hope you have as much fun making and savoring this classic as I do. Trust me, once you try it, baked ziti will become a favorite go-to in your recipe collection!
Print
Baked Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This classic Baked Ziti recipe features tender pasta combined with rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese. Seasoned with Italian herbs and baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing 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 the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into a baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta. Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, and finish by topping with the rest of the mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown. Remove from oven and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the pasta mixture before assembling.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta in step 1; it should be al dente as it will cook further in the oven.
- Let the baked ziti rest for about 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
- You can substitute zucchini or spinach into the dish to add some vegetables.
- Use whole milk ricotta for creamier texture or part-skim for a lighter option.
