Baked Ziti Recipe – Easy, Cheesy, and Family-Favorite Pasta

If there’s one dish that always gets cheers at the dinner table—without fail—it’s baked ziti. It’s that cozy, cheesy casserole pasta that feels like a warm hug after a long day. You don’t need to be an expert cook or even totally confident in the kitchen to make it. It’s super forgiving. And honestly? It’s hard to mess up.

This version of baked ziti is hearty, full of flavor, and made with easy ingredients you probably already have. So let’s roll up our sleeves and get into it—without turning your kitchen into a war zone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This baked ziti recipe keeps things classic—think layers of pasta, sauce, cheese, and a little love.

For the ziti base:

1 pound ziti pasta (or penne)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the creamy cheese layers:

1 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg (helps bind the ricotta mixture)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Baked Ziti (Step-by-Step)

1. Boil the Pasta
Cook your ziti in a big pot of salted water. Don’t overcook—it should be just shy of al dente since it’ll cook more in the oven. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce
Heat oil in a large skillet. Sauté onions until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Add ground beef or sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain the fat and stir in your marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.

3. Mix the Ricotta Layer
In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth. This layer adds richness without being too heavy.

4. Layer the Ziti
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 baking dish:

Spread a little sauce on the bottom
Add half the pasta
Spoon and spread half the ricotta mixture
Sprinkle half the mozzarella and Parmesan
Repeat: sauce, pasta, ricotta, cheese

5. Bake It
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing in—this helps everything set.

Time & Serving Info

Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Serves: 6 to 8 people

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Large pot for boiling pasta
Skillet for cooking sauce
Mixing bowl for ricotta
9×13 baking dish
Foil
Spoon/spatula
Knife for serving

Extra Tips to Make It Just Right

Don’t skip salting the pasta water. It makes a difference.
Want a creamy twist? Stir a splash of heavy cream into the marinara.
Too dry? Add extra sauce before baking.
Use a mix of cheeses—mozzarella melts well, but provolone or fontina adds flavor.
Add chopped spinach or zucchini if you’re trying to sneak in veggies.

How to Serve Baked Ziti

This dish stands up on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
A crisp green salad (something with arugula or lemon vinaigrette)
A glass of red wine—or a sparkling water with lemon if you’re keeping it light

Leftovers? Even better the next day.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator:
Cool completely before storing. Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Wrap tightly in foil and freeze either whole or in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating:
Bake at 350°F until hot through, or microwave single servings with a splash of water to keep the pasta moist.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Based on 8 Servings)

Approximate values may vary depending on ingredients used.

Calories: 520
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 780mg

Recipe Notes

You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese if you prefer a lighter version.
Ground turkey or meatless crumbles work well if you’re skipping red meat.
Want extra flavor? Mix some fresh chopped basil into the ricotta mixture.

FAQs About Baked Ziti

Yes! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake straight from the fridge—just add 5–10 minutes to the cook time.

Totally fine. Some people prefer baked ziti without ricotta. Just add more mozzarella for a cheesier feel.

Absolutely. Penne or rigatoni work just as well. Even fusilli if that’s what you’ve got.

Look for bubbly edges and a slightly browned top. A knife inserted into the middle should come out hot.

Try baking it uncovered a bit longer, or use slightly less sauce next time. Also, let it rest after baking to help it set.

Conclusion

That’s the full story—an easy, baked ziti recipe you can come back to any night of the week. It’s cheesy, it’s hearty, and somehow, it just makes everything feel a little better. If that’s not comfort food, I don’t know what is.