Classic Baked Ziti with Ricotta Cheese

Baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food. It provides all the satisfying flavors of lasagna without the hard work of layering noodles. This dish combines tender pasta, bright tomato sauce, and a creamy three-cheese blend for a dinner that feels like a warm hug.

It is perfect for busy weeknights because you can prepare it ahead of time. The ricotta keeps the filling rich and moist, while the mozzarella creates that irresistible golden crust on top. Whether you are feeding a hungry family or planning for leftovers, this recipe delivers every time.

Why You Will Love This Meal

This recipe is a staple in many households for good reason. It strikes the perfect balance between effort and reward.

• Simple Preparation: You do not need advanced cooking skills. If you can boil water and stir ingredients, you can make this.
• Creamy Texture: Unlike some baked pastas that dry out in the oven, the ricotta mixture ensures every bite stays moist and cheesy.
• Great Leftovers: The flavors often taste even better the next day, making it excellent for meal prep.
• Budget Friendly: Pasta and canned sauce are affordable staples that stretch to feed a large crowd.

Ingredients List

To make this dish, you will need standard ingredients found in most grocery stores.

• Ziti Pasta: 1 pound (16 oz). You can also use penne or rigatoni if ziti is unavailable.
• Marinara Sauce: 2 jars (24 oz each). Choose a high-quality sauce with onion and garlic flavors for the best result.
• Ricotta Cheese: 15 oz container. Whole milk ricotta provides the creamiest texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 3 cups, shredded. Shredding it yourself from a block melts better than pre-shredded bags.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated.
• Egg: 1 large egg. This helps bind the cheese mixture so it doesn’t get too runny.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional for garnish).
• Seasonings: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.

Tools Used in Cooking

Having the right equipment ready will make the process smooth.

• Large Stockpot: For boiling the pasta.
• Colander: To drain the water from the pasta.
• 9×13 Baking Dish: A standard rectangular casserole dish works best.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: For combining the cheese mixture.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring.
• Aluminum Foil: To cover the dish during the first half of baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to ensure your baked ziti comes out perfect.

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9×13 baking dish lightly with cooking spray or a little olive oil.

2. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook for 2 to 3 minutes less than the package directions state. You want the pasta to be “al dente” (firm to the bite) because it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta well.

3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

While the pasta cooks, grab your mixing bowl. Combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella. Stir until smooth.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Return the drained pasta to the large pot. Pour in about 1 and 1/2 jars of the marinara sauce. Stir gently to coat the noodles.

5. Assemble the Layers

Spread a thin layer of the remaining plain sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Pour half of the sauced pasta into the dish. Dollop the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta and spread it out gently. Top with the remaining pasta.

6. Top and Bake

Pour the rest of the sauce over the top layer. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese evenly over the dish. Cover the dish loosely with foil. Bake for 20 minutes.

7. Finish Uncovered

Remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. The cheese should be bubbling and slightly browned. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to help the sauce set.

Nutrition Facts

This table provides an estimate for one serving, assuming the recipe serves 8 people.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	22g
Carbohydrates	58g
Fat	24g
Saturated Fat	12g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	8g
Sodium	850mg

Helpful Tips for Success

• Salt the Water: Always add plenty of salt to your boiling water. This is the only chance you have to season the actual pasta noodle itself.
• Do Not Rinse Pasta: Never rinse the hot pasta with cold water. The starch on the noodles helps the sauce stick to them.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: If possible, let the egg and cheese sit out for 20 minutes before mixing. They will blend together much more easily.
• Resting is Key: It is tempting to eat immediately, but letting the dish rest for 10 to 15 minutes allows the liquids to thicken. If you cut it too soon, it may be runny.

Variations on the Classic

You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your taste or dietary needs.

• Meat Lover’s: Brown 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage and mix it into the marinara sauce before combining it with the pasta.
• Veggie Packed: Sauté spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini and mix them into the layers for added nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Add half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
• Gluten-Free: Simply swap the wheat pasta for a gluten-free ziti or penne. Rice-based pasta usually holds up best in baked dishes.

How to Serve

This is a heavy, rich meal, so it pairs best with lighter sides that cut through the heaviness.

• Green Salad: A simple salad with vinaigrette dressing provides a crisp contrast to the cheesy pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Crusty bread is excellent for scooping up extra sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or asparagus adds color and vitamins to the plate.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Baked ziti stores very well, making it a great option for meal planning.

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze the baked dish for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• Reheating: Microwave single portions for 2-3 minutes. To reheat the whole tray, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until hot in the center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since you are starting with a cold dish.

Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese is a common substitute. It has a lower fat content and higher protein. However, the texture will be slightly grainier and less creamy than ricotta.

Why is my baked ziti dry?

This usually happens if the pasta was overcooked during the boiling stage or if not enough sauce was used. The pasta soaks up liquid in the oven, so it is important to use plenty of sauce and cook the noodles al dente initially.

Conclusion

Baked ziti with ricotta is a timeless dish that brings people together. It is simple enough for a Tuesday night but impressive enough for Sunday dinner. With its layers of melted cheese, robust tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it satisfies every craving. Give this recipe a try, and it will quickly become a requested favorite in your home.