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Freshly baked ziti topped with golden cheese.

Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

This Easy Baked Ziti Recipe is a classic comfort food favorite made with layers of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to golden, bubbly perfection, it’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. A simple, crowd-pleasing dish that tastes just like homemade lasagna but so much easier!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

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.

Instructions  

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.

Video

Notes

📝 Notes

  • Pasta: Cook ziti just until al dente — it will continue to cook in the oven, keeping it firm and not mushy.
  • Cheese Mix: Combine ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for that perfect creamy and stretchy texture.
  • Meat Option: Ground beef, sausage, or even turkey all work great. You can also skip the meat for a vegetarian version.
  • Sauce: Use a good quality marinara or make your own with garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning for richer flavor.
  • Assembly Tip: Layer sauce first, then pasta, cheese mix, and repeat. Finish with mozzarella on top for a golden, bubbly crust.
  • Storage: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist.
  • Freezing: Freeze baked or unbaked ziti in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 480 kcal  | 
Carbohydrates: 45 g  | 
Fiber: 3 g  | 
Sugars: 7 g  | 
Protein: 27 g  | 
Fat: 20 g  | 
Saturated Fat: 10 g  | 
Cholesterol: 70 mg  | 
Sodium: 760 mg  | 
Potassium: 540 mg  | 
Calcium: 260 mg  | 
Iron: 2.1 mg
Keyword Easy Baked Ziti Recipe