Comforting, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, this Baked Ziti Recipe is one of my favorite go-to dinners. It’s an easy bake that comes together in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals. You'll notice how the layers of pasta, sauce, and melty cheese create a toasty, golden top that’s impossible to resist.
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In the Kitchen
I love this Baked Ziti Recipe because it’s just so reliably delicious and forgiving. Whether you’re a pasta pro or a busy beginner, the results are always impressive and satisfying.
- Juicy and Tender Every Time: Cooking the ziti pasta just right and mixing it warmly with the cheese mixture keeps every bite moist and creamy.
- Golden, Satisfying Finish: Baking it until the cheese bubbles and browns slightly adds a crunchy, toasty contrast that makes it memorable.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: A handful of quality cheeses and a savory marinara bring big flavors without fuss.
- Weeknight to Weekend Ready: Quick to prep but fancy enough to serve company, this dish fits any occasion.
Ingredients at a Glance
Using fresh, quality ingredients really elevates this Baked Ziti Recipe. I always try to pick cheeses that melt well and a marinara that tastes balanced—nothing too acidic or too bland.
- Ziti pasta: Look for sturdy pasta that holds its shape and has a good bite when cooked al dente.
- Marinara sauce: A simple tomato-based sauce with herbs, no need for anything complicated or chunky.
- Ricotta cheese: Choose whole-milk ricotta for a creamier texture.
- Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more evenly than pre-shredded blends.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan offers the best punch of flavor.
- Egg: It helps bind everything together to create a luscious, smooth filling.
Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1 — Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente — slightly firm but cooked through. I like to take it off the heat just a minute or two before it feels fully done because it’ll continue cooking in the oven. Then, drain it well and set aside to cool slightly. This step ensures your pasta doesn’t get mushy later.
Step 2 — Mix the Cheesy Sauce
In a big bowl, combine your marinara sauce, ricotta, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir together until smooth and creamy. You’ll notice how the egg helps everything stick together and gives a rich, silky texture. This mix is the heart of the recipe, so take a moment to get everything well blended.
Step 3 — Combine Pasta and Sauce
Gently fold the cooked ziti pasta into the cheese and sauce mixture. Make sure each piece is nicely coated — you want the sauce to cling to the pasta but not pool too much. This step builds the layers of flavor that make baked ziti so comforting.
Step 4 — Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Grease a baking dish and pour your pasta mixture into it, smoothing out the top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over everything. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown. You’ll love how the aroma fills your kitchen—it’s one of my favorite parts!
Things to Remember
From my kitchen to yours, these tips will help you nail the Baked Ziti Recipe every time and avoid common snags.
- Doneness Cue: Look for bubbly edges and a lightly golden cheese crust to know when it’s ready.
- Temperature Trick: Make sure your oven is fully preheated for even cooking and browning.
- Make-Ahead Move: Assemble the dish the night before and refrigerate; just add extra bake time when cooking.
- Common Pitfall: Overcooking the pasta before baking can leave it mushy—always err on the side of firm.
Ways to Serve It
Finishing Touches
A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley brightens up this Baked Ziti Recipe just before serving. For an extra punch, cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil works wonders right off the oven.
Plays Well With
I love serving this dish alongside a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for crunch and freshness. Roasted vegetables such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts add a nice contrast and make the meal feel complete.
Simple Plating Upgrades
For a weeknight, scoop generous portions onto warm plates and garnish with herbs. For guests, try individual ramekins or neatly sliced squares arranged on a platter for a polished look that’s still cozy and approachable.
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The pasta absorbs the sauce more over time, so it’s perfectly tender but can thicken slightly. Adding a splash of water or sauce when reheating brings back that saucy goodness.
Freezing Tips
Baked ziti freezes quite well if you want to make it ahead. Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking again, adding a bit of extra sauce or cheese on top so it stays moist and delicious.
Reheating Baked Ziti Recipe Without Drying Out
The best bet is reheating in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil for 15–20 minutes, until warmed through to keep the cheese from drying. In a pinch, microwave with a damp paper towel covering to hold in moisture, stirring halfway for even heat. An air fryer works too—wrap it in foil and heat at 325°F briefly for a melty finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Penne or rigatoni are great substitutes because they hold the sauce well. Just choose a pasta with plenty of ridges or hollow centers to catch the cheese and sauce.
Yes, pre-cooking the pasta to al dente is important. This prevents it from becoming mushy when baked and helps the sauce absorb better.
For a vegetarian version, stick to the marinara and cheeses as is. If you want meat, browned Italian sausage or ground beef mixed into the sauce adds great flavor and heartiness.
Using a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top and finishing the bake uncovered helps produce that beautifully golden, crispy top.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re making this Baked Ziti Recipe for family dinner or a crowd, it delivers comfort and flavor that never disappoint. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll enjoy a warm, cheesy dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is to love. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a kitchen favorite!
PrintFull Printable Recipe
Baked Ziti Recipe
A classic Italian-American baked pasta dish featuring tender ziti pasta tossed in a rich marinara and creamy cheese mixture, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan for a comforting, cheesy casserole perfect for family dinners.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound ziti pasta
Sauce and Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the ziti evenly.
- Cook pasta: Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix cheese and sauce: In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Combine pasta with mixture: Add the cooked ziti pasta to the cheese and sauce mixture and stir gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Assemble in baking dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use whole milk ricotta for creamier texture or part-skim for a lighter option.
- For extra flavor, add cooked Italian sausage or sautéed vegetables to the sauce mixture.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta to avoid mushy baked ziti.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated unbaked, then baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
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