Baked Ziti Recipe
Baked ziti is the kind of comfort food that brings everyone to the table. Tender pasta, rich marinara, and a creamy ricotta layer, all baked under a blanket of golden mozzarella.
I love this recipe because it is simple to assemble but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It feeds a crowd, reheats beautifully, and is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Baked Ziti Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti 1 minute less than package directions. Drain.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion 4 to 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Stir in the marinara, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix the ricotta, beaten egg, and half the Parmesan.
- Toss the drained ziti with the sauce. Spread half in the baking dish.
- Dollop the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Top with remaining ziti.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes more, until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest 10 minutes, then top with fresh basil and serve.
Why You Will Love This Baked Ziti
The creamy ricotta layer is what makes this special. It adds richness and keeps every bite moist and satisfying.
It is also a great make ahead dish. Assemble it in the morning, refrigerate, and bake when ready. For another cheesy classic, try my Homemade Italian Lasagna.
Ingredients You Will Need
You only need simple pantry staples. Use a good quality marinara for the best flavor, and whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture. The full measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Baked Ziti
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti 1 minute less than package directions so it stays firm. Drain well.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil, then stir in the marinara and seasonings. A quick 5 minute simmer deepens the flavor.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Toss the pasta with sauce, layer with the ricotta mixture, and top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake covered, then uncovered until bubbly and golden. If you love baked pasta, my Best Chicken Alfredo Bake is another winner.
Tips for the Best Baked Ziti
Do not overcook the pasta. It will finish cooking in the oven. Let the ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving so the layers set. Pair it with Crispy Mozzarella Sticks for a fun Italian night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the ziti, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10 to 15 minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Absolutely. Assemble in a freezer safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
What is the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?
Baked ziti uses tube shaped pasta instead of flat lasagna noodles. It is quicker to assemble but has a similar cheesy, saucy comfort.
Can I add meat to baked ziti?
Yes. Brown 1 pound of Italian sausage or ground beef with the onion for a heartier version. For a meatless classic, try my Creamy Alfredo Pasta.
The Bottom Line
This baked ziti is comfort food at its best. Cheesy, saucy, and satisfying, it is a recipe you will make again and again. Learn more about pasta shapes on Wikipedia, and find excellent Italian cooking tips at Serious Eats. For more Italian favorites, try our White Pizza and Spaghetti Bolognese too.
About the Author
Luke is the home cook and writer behind Lumomint Foods. He spends his time testing comforting, practical recipes from around the world and writing them up in plain, easy language for everyday cooks.