There’s something so comforting about a dish of baked ziti, fresh from the oven, with bubbling cheese and perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe is a personal favorite that I’ve perfected over the years, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you. It’s hearty, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this baked ziti is about to become your new go-to recipe.
Ready to elevate your pasta night? Let’s dive into what makes this dish the Best Baked Ziti Ever, and don’t forget to subscribe to receive more mouthwatering recipes straight to your inbox!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti Recipe
This recipe is a little piece of culinary magic, combining everything we love about comfort food. Here’s why you’ll be making this again and again:
- Irresistibly Cheesy: This ziti is loaded with a perfect trio of cheeses—ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan—so every bite is creamy, gooey, and flavorful.
- Rich and Savory Sauce: A homemade marinara sauce with hints of garlic, basil, and Italian herbs adds so much depth to this dish.
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist baked ziti. It’s like lasagna, but so much easier to make.
- Customizable: Whether you want to keep it vegetarian or throw in some Italian sausage or ground beef, this dish adapts beautifully to your preferences.
The Taste and Texture
Imagine sinking your fork into a layer of melty mozzarella, giving way to tender pasta, creamy ricotta, and a robust tomato sauce that’s been seasoned to perfection. The edges get just the right amount of crispiness from the oven, while the center stays soft and gooey. Each bite is a burst of Italian-inspired goodness that’ll have your taste buds singing.
Benefits of Making This Recipe
- Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in with friends.
- Great for Meal Prep: Baked ziti tastes even better the next day! Simply reheat for an easy, satisfying meal.
- Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses pantry staples, making it an affordable choice for any night of the week.
- One-Dish Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean = happier you!
Ingredients
To make the Best Baked Ziti Ever, here’s what you’ll need:
- Ziti Pasta: 1 pound (or any tubular pasta like penne or rigatoni)
- Marinara Sauce: 4 cups (store-bought or homemade—your call!)
- Ricotta Cheese: 1 ½ cups
- Shredded Mozzarella: 2 cups, divided
- Grated Parmesan: ½ cup
- Egg: 1 large (helps bind the cheese mixture)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Fresh Basil: ¼ cup, chopped (optional, but highly recommended!)
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Optional Protein: 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef, cooked and crumbled
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking the sauce or protein
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cheese alternatives and swap ricotta for cashew cream.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute ziti with gluten-free pasta.
How to Make the Best Baked Ziti
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until just shy of al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
If you’re adding meat, cook the Italian sausage or ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the marinara sauce, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, the egg, chopped basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Layer half of the cooked pasta, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the remaining sauce. Repeat the layers, then top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
What to Serve with Baked Ziti
- A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian bread
- Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans
- A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot
Tips for Perfect Baked Ziti
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t turn mushy in the oven.
- Layer Strategically: Even layers ensure that every bite has the perfect ratio of pasta, sauce, and cheese.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the dish a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Baked ziti freezes beautifully! Wrap the entire dish (or individual portions) in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or any tubular pasta works well in this recipe.
Do I have to use ricotta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or even a béchamel sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the baked ziti, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil?
Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray before covering the dish.
Conclusion
This Best Baked Ziti Ever recipe is everything you need for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and packed with rich, comforting flavors. Whether it’s for a Sunday dinner, a potluck, or a busy weeknight, this dish is guaranteed to win hearts (and stomachs)!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a review, snap a photo, and share it with me on Pinterest.
Looking for more recipes that bring comfort and flavor? Check these out:
- Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe in 30 Minutes
- Hobo Casserole – Ground Beef Cheesy Comfort Food
- Beef Enchiladas Recipe – Cheesy and Flavorful Dinner
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: ~400
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
Enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite! 🧀🍝
Print
Best Baked Ziti Ever Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Baked Ziti Ever recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining perfectly cooked pasta, a rich homemade marinara sauce, and three cheeses baked to bubbling perfection. It’s easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to be a family favorite for weeknight dinners, special gatherings, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne, rigatoni)
- 4 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Sauce:
If using meat, brown Italian sausage or ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add marinara sauce, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes. - Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, the egg, chopped basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth. - Assemble the Dish:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half the pasta, half the ricotta mixture, and half the remaining sauce. Repeat the layers and finish by topping with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese. - Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve and Enjoy:
Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake as instructed when ready.
- Freezing Instructions: This dish freezes well. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Customizations: Add sautéed vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Alternatives: Swap ricotta for cottage cheese or use plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Best baked ziti recipe, cheesy baked ziti, baked ziti with ricotta, easy Italian pasta recipe, comfort food dinner,
2 thoughts on “Best Baked Ziti Ever Recipe”