Easy Baked Ziti Recipe: A Comforting Pasta Dish Done Right

Baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food that comes together quickly and satisfies everyone at the table. This creamy, cheesy pasta dish combines tender ziti noodles with a rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella for pure comfort in every bite.

You don’t need fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients to create something restaurant-quality at home. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a gorgeous golden-topped casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or feeding a crowd.

Nutrition Facts

Per 100g of baked ziti:

• Calories: 185 kcal
• Protein: 9.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 18.5 g
• Fat: 8.3 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Sodium: 420 mg

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ziti pasta
• 2 cups (500 ml) marinara sauce
• 1.5 cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C)

Start by getting your oven ready for baking while you prepare the other components. A properly preheated oven ensures even cooking and helps you achieve that perfectly golden cheese topping you’re after.

Set a timer so you don’t forget, and position your oven rack in the middle for optimal heat distribution.

2. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your ziti pasta. Cook according to package directions, but reduce the cooking time by about one minute since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven.

You want it tender but still slightly firm when you drain it. Don’t overcook it, as mushy pasta will ruin your final dish.

3. Mix the ricotta cheese filling

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, and fresh basil. Stir everything together until well blended and creamy. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.

This mixture becomes the creamy heart of your baked ziti and adds incredible richness.

4. Combine pasta with marinara sauce

In a large bowl, toss the cooked and drained ziti with the marinara sauce until every strand is coated. Make sure the sauce is evenly distributed throughout the pasta, as this prevents dry spots in your finished dish.

If your sauce seems thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up slightly.

5. Layer the pasta and ricotta mixture

Lightly oil a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with the olive oil. Spread half of the pasta mixture on the bottom of the dish, then dollop half of the ricotta mixture over it.

Add the remaining pasta, then top with the rest of the ricotta filling. This layering technique ensures you get ricotta in every forkful rather than just at the top.

6. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese

Sprinkle the reserved 0.5 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of your casserole. This creates that beautiful, melted cheese layer everyone loves. Don’t skip this step-the golden cheese top makes the dish look spectacular and adds wonderful flavor.

7. Bake until golden and bubbly

Place your baked ziti in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. You’ll know it’s done when you see cheese starting to brown slightly and sauce bubbling around the sides.

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the sauce to set slightly.

Tips for Variations or Side Dishes

You can easily customize this dish to match your preferences. Add crumbled Italian sausage or ground beef to the ricotta mixture for a heartier version. Mix in fresh spinach or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

Serve alongside a crisp garden salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread are perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Baked ziti is best served hot, straight from the oven when the cheese is still melty and the sauce is bubbling. Spoon generous portions onto warm plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves if you have them.

A side salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy, cheesy pasta. This dish serves 6-8 people comfortably, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.

FAQ

1. Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole completely, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll go into the oven cold.

You can also bake it completely, cool it, and reheat it covered with foil at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

2. What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

You can substitute with an equal amount of cottage cheese (which will give a slightly different texture) or cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk. Some cooks use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan mixed with a little heavy cream or Greek yogurt for a similar creamy effect.

3. Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, any short pasta shape works beautifully-try penne, rigatoni, or farfalle. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti, as it doesn’t layer well in a casserole dish. The key is choosing pasta that can hold sauce and cheese throughout the dish.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the whole dish in a 350°F oven covered with foil until warmed through.

5. Can I freeze baked ziti?

Yes, you can freeze it either before or after baking. For best results, freeze it before baking in a foil-lined dish, then transfer to a freezer bag once frozen. Bake directly from frozen, adding 15-20 minutes to the cooking time, or thaw overnight first.