Baked ziti is comfort food. It’s cheesy, warm, and simple to make.
You don’t need fancy skills or special tools just basic ingredients and one baking dish.
This easy baked ziti recipe is perfect for a quick family dinner or when you need leftovers that still taste good the next day.

Baked Ziti Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked ziti stands out for simple reasons.
It doesn’t take much effort, but it feels like a big meal.

One pan, less cleanup: You mix, bake, and serve in the same dish.
Crowd pleaser: Adults and kids both love the cheesy layers.
Flexible: Works with meat or veggies, jarred sauce or homemade.
Budget friendly: Uses affordable ingredients that stretch into several meals.

It’s the kind of recipe you’ll make once and keep repeating.
You can prep it ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake when you’re ready.

Ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and fresh basil arranged on a countertop. — Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients for easy baked ziti.

Ingredients for Easy Baked Ziti

Here’s what you’ll need for one large baking dish (6–8 servings):

Pasta Base

1 pound ziti pasta
Water and salt for boiling

Sauce

1 jar (about 24 ounces) marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

Cheese Mixture

1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins

½ pound ground beef or Italian sausage
Fresh basil for garnish

Tip: Cook the pasta until just firm (al dente). It will keep cooking in the oven later.
If you like a richer flavor, brown the meat before mixing it in.

Step-by-step collage showing cooked pasta, mixing ricotta, layering sauce and cheese, and baked ziti coming out of oven. — Step-by-step process of making baked ziti from scratch.

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

Follow these simple steps.
This version takes about 45 minutes total.

1. Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the ziti and cook until slightly firm.
Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the sauce

Heat olive oil in a pan.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add marinara sauce and seasoning.
Simmer for 5 minutes.
If using meat, brown it in the pan before adding the sauce.

3. Make the cheese mixture

In a bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
Stir until smooth.

4. Layer everything

Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add half the pasta, half the cheese mix, and more sauce.
Repeat the layers.
Top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.

5. Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese bubbles and turns golden.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Texture

Small changes make a big difference in baked pasta.
Here’s how to get that gooey, creamy texture.

Use whole milk ricotta for better flavor and a smooth texture.
Add a layer of shredded mozzarella on top before baking.
Bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes to brown the cheese.
Let it rest after baking. The layers hold together better once it cools slightly.

If you want extra creaminess, mix a splash of milk or cream into the ricotta mixture before layering.

Baked Ziti Variations

Once you know the base recipe, it’s easy to change it up.
Here are a few popular versions.

Vegetarian baked ziti

Skip the meat.
Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini between the layers.

Spicy baked ziti

Add red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage to the sauce.
Use pepper jack cheese on top for more heat.

Gluten-free baked ziti

Use gluten-free pasta.
Make sure your sauce doesn’t include flour or thickeners with gluten.

White baked ziti

Skip tomato sauce and use Alfredo sauce instead.
Add chicken or broccoli for a lighter twist.

You can mix and match ingredients based on what you have.
It’s hard to mess this up.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This dish keeps well, which makes it great for meal prep.
Here’s how to store it properly.

Refrigerate:

Let the baked ziti cool completely.
Store it in an airtight container or wrap the baking dish with foil.
It will last up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freeze:

Slice into portions and wrap tightly in plastic and foil.
Label with the date.
Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat:

Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil, until hot.
For a single serving, microwave for 2–3 minutes.
Add a splash of sauce or water before reheating to keep it moist.

Nutrition Benefits of This Recipe

Baked ziti is comfort food, but it still offers solid nutrition if you use quality ingredients.

Protein: Cheese and meat add protein that helps you feel full longer.
Calcium: Mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan support bone health.
Carbohydrates: Pasta gives you steady energy.
Fiber: Whole grain pasta adds fiber for better digestion.
Lycopene: Tomato sauce is rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health.

If you want a lighter version, use whole-wheat pasta, part-skim cheeses, and extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
It’s an easy way to keep the flavor while cutting calories and boosting nutrients.

FAQs About Easy Baked Ziti

Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and add 10 extra minutes of cook time.

Can I use penne instead of ziti?
Yes. Penne or rigatoni both work well.
Stick to short pasta shapes that hold sauce and cheese.

Do I need to cook the pasta before baking?
Yes. Dry pasta won’t soften properly in the oven unless it’s pre-cooked.

Can I freeze baked ziti after baking?
Yes. Let it cool first, then wrap portions tightly.
Freeze for up to 3 months and reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.

Why is my baked ziti dry?
It usually means there wasn’t enough sauce or cheese.
Next time, add a bit more marinara or mix some sauce directly with the pasta before layering.

Conclusion

Baked ziti doesn’t need to be complicated.
Boil, mix, layer, and bake That’s it.
You end up with a warm, cheesy meal that works for any night of the week.

Try this recipe once, and you’ll probably add it to your regular dinner list.
If you have leftovers, they taste even better the next day.

If you enjoyed this recipe, Try my Ricotta Cheese Lasagna Recipe next.
Or check out Homemade Marinara Sauce if you like making your own from scratch.

Leave a comment if you tried this version or made your own twist.
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