Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella is the kind of timeless comfort dish that brings everyone to the table. With tender pasta, a rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and molten mozzarella, this casserole-style meal is hearty, nostalgic, and universally loved. It’s perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or preparing ahead for busy days. I once added a touch of roasted garlic to the ricotta mixture, and it created an extra layer of warmth and depth that took the entire dish to the next level. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this simple yet satisfying baked ziti delivers unbeatable flavour and homestyle comfort.
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Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella: A Classic, Cheesy Comfort Bake
- Total Time: 60 mins
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Italian-American comfort dish made with tender ziti pasta layered in rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, then baked until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook ziti in salted water until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add half of the cooked ziti, then spoon ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta.
- Top with half of the mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Add remaining ziti, cover with remaining marinara sauce, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Add cooked ground beef or sausage for a meat version.
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing for cleaner servings.
- Use whole-milk ricotta for the creamiest texture.
- This dish freezes well for make-ahead meals.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ziti pasta
A sturdy, tubular pasta that holds sauce beautifully and stays firm after baking.
Ricotta cheese
Adds a creamy, luxurious layer that balances acidity from the tomato sauce.
Mozzarella cheese
Melts into stretchy, gooey perfection on top and throughout the casserole.
Parmesan cheese
Provides salty, nutty depth and helps create a golden baked finish.
Marinara sauce
Forms the flavour base; choose a high-quality sauce with herbs, garlic, and tomato richness.
Egg
Mixed into the ricotta to help it set during baking and create a smooth texture.
Italian seasoning
Adds herbal brightness and complements the tomato sauce.
Salt and pepper
Essential seasonings that enhance all the components.
Olive oil
Used for tossing the pasta lightly to prevent sticking.
Directions
Begin by cooking the ziti until just shy of al dente. Drain and toss lightly with olive oil to keep the noodles from sticking together. Preheat your oven and lightly grease a large baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture becomes creamy and cohesive. In another bowl, mix a portion of the marinara sauce with the cooked pasta until evenly coated.
Layer the dish by spreading a thin coating of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half the pasta mixture, then dollop and spread half the ricotta mixture over it. Sprinkle with mozzarella. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake until bubbly, then uncover for the last few minutes to allow the cheese to brown lightly. Let rest briefly before serving so the layers hold together nicely.
Equipment Needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and Timing
Serves 6–8
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: Around 50 minutes
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in a 175°C (350°F) oven for 12–15 minutes, adding a spoonful of marinara if needed to keep it moist. Baked ziti freezes extremely well—freeze unbaked or fully baked, then thaw overnight and heat until bubbling.
Variations and Customizations
Three-Cheese Ziti
Add provolone for extra creaminess and depth.
Meat Lover’s Ziti
Mix browned Italian sausage or ground beef into the sauce.
Spinach Ricotta Layer
Add sautéed spinach into the ricotta mixture for more nutrition.
Spicy Arrabbiata Ziti
Use spicy tomato sauce or add red pepper flakes.
Vegetable-Packed Version
Stir in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Lightened-Up Ziti
Use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella for a lighter option.
Fresh Herb Upgrade
Add basil or parsley for extra aromatic freshness.
Creamy Alfredo Blend
Mix a little Alfredo sauce with marinara for a rosé-style bake.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure sauces are gluten-free.
Extra-Crispy Top
Add buttery breadcrumbs on top before baking.
FAQs
Do I need to cook the pasta fully?
No, cook it slightly underdone to avoid mushiness after baking.
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes, assemble up to 24 hours ahead and bake when ready.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Absolutely—freeze before or after baking for easy future meals.
What’s the best cheese for topping?
Mozzarella and Parmesan create the perfect melt and flavour.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, blend it for a smoother consistency.
Why is my ziti dry?
Be sure to use enough sauce—ziti absorbs more liquid during baking.
Can I use penne instead of ziti?
Yes, penne works almost identically.
Should I cover the dish while baking?
Cover at first to retain moisture, then uncover to brown the cheese.
How do I prevent sticking?
Toss the pasta with a little olive oil after cooking.
What sides pair well?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, and roasted vegetables are excellent options.
Conclusion
Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella is a beloved comfort classic that delivers creamy layers, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly melted cheese in every bite. With easy preparation, customisable ingredients, and freezer-friendly convenience, it’s a dependable recipe that satisfies crowds and families alike. Whether prepared for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this baked ziti promises warmth, flavour, and timeless appeal.
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