Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
Some nights call for a dinner that doesn’t ask much of you — dump-and-stir energy, one baking dish, and a payoff that makes the whole kitchen smell like a red-sauce restaurant. That’s this baked ziti.
It’s the kind of meal you can put together while you’re half-listening to whatever’s happening in the next room, and it comes out of the oven bubbly, cheesy, and exactly as comforting as you’re hoping for.
If pasta bakes are already a weeknight staple around here, you’re in good company — this one sits right alongside my Healthy Tuscan Pasta Recipe and Creamy Pasta Primavera as an easy rotation dinner. And if you liked the protein boost in my High Protein Skillet Lasagna, you’ll like the cottage cheese variation below just as much.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Baked Ziti:
Ingredient Notes
Ziti: Its ridges and tube shape grab onto the sauce, but penne or rigatoni work well too.
Marinara Sauce: Use a sauce you enjoy because it supplies most of the flavor. Jarred sauce is completely fine for a weeknight.
Ricotta Cheese: Part-skim ricotta creates a creamy, lasagna-like texture without making the casserole too heavy. Cottage cheese is a higher-protein substitute.
Mozzarella and Parmesan: Shred mozzarella from a block when possible for a smoother, less grainy melt.
Recipe Variations
Higher Protein: Swap the ricotta for cottage cheese for the same creamy result with more protein.
Add Meat or Vegetables: Stir in browned lean ground beef or Italian sausage, baby spinach, or sautéed zucchini.
Add a Spicy Kick: Stir a pinch of crushed red pepper into the sauce mixture before baking.
How To Make Baked Ziti: Step by Step
Here are quick visual instructions. Be sure to check out the full instructions with exact ingredients in the printable recipe card below.
Step 2: Cook the pasta in salted water until just al dente, then drain it well.
Step 3: Mix the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce and ricotta until evenly coated.
Step 4: Spread the pasta mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
Step 5: Sprinkle the parmesan and shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Undercook the pasta slightly because it continues cooking in the oven, and taste the marinara before mixing so you can adjust bland sauce with salt or Italian seasoning.
Shred mozzarella from a block for the smoothest melt and best cheese pull.
Let the baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so portions hold together instead of turning soupy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Assemble the whole dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit out while the oven preheats.
Definitely. Browned ground beef or Italian sausage stirred into the pasta mixture makes this a heartier main dish.
Yes. Cottage cheese gives a similar creamy texture and adds more protein per serving.
I hope you love this Baked Ziti. Please consider leaving a star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below. Thank you so much!
More Recipes To Try
Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 14 ounces ziti pasta 400 g
- 3 cups marinara sauce 720 ml
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese 375 g
- 2 cups mozzarella 200 g, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan 50 g, grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti in salted water until just al dente. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce and ricotta until evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
The nutritional details for recipes are estimated using MyFitnessPal and can vary with different products, measurement accuracy, and source reliability. We aim to provide accurate information but cannot guarantee the precise accuracy of the nutritional data