Pin it Cheesy Baked Ziti is the ultimate family comfort food I come back to again and again. With creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella in every bite, this dish brings everyone to the table and always guarantees leftovers for tomorrow. Whether it is a cozy Sunday dinner or a make-ahead weeknight meal, this baked pasta makes the house smell amazing and delivers homestyle satisfaction instantaneously.
I made this ziti for my first neighborhood potluck and came home with an empty dish. It quickly became my go-to for comfort on chilly evenings and there is never any left when my cousins come over.
Ingredients
- Ziti pasta: Classic tube shape that holds onto the sauce
- Marinara sauce: Bright tomato flavor and a base of rich seasoning, choose a jar with simple ingredients or make your own
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy texture and subtle tang, look for whole milk ricotta for best flavor
- Mozzarella cheese: Stretchy melted topping, freshly grate your own from a block for optimal melt
- Parmesan cheese: Finishes with salty savory kick, use real Parmigiano Reggiano if possible
- Egg: Enriches the ricotta mixture and helps everything bind together
- Fresh basil or parsley: Pop of freshness and color, use vibrant leaves with no wilting
- Olive oil: Brings richness and helps coat the pasta so it never clumps
- Salt and pepper: Enhance flavors of the casserole, taste and adjust as you layer
Instructions
- Boil the Ziti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the ziti pasta just shy of al dente about eight minutes so it holds its shape after baking. Drain and toss with olive oil so the noodles do not stick together.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a medium bowl combine whole milk ricotta, one beaten egg, half the grated Parmesan and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy so it will spread easily in the casserole.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread a generous cup of marinara sauce along the bottom of a large baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti and dot with half the ricotta mixture gently spreading so every bite gets creamy filling. Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese and some Parmesan before repeating another layer with the remaining ingredients.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit for twenty minutes. Then remove the foil and bake another fifteen minutes until the cheese bubbles and spots of golden brown appear.
- Rest and Serve:
- Allow the baked ziti to rest for ten minutes so it sets and slices cleanly. Finish with a scatter of fresh basil or parsley and serve steaming hot with a side of garlic bread or salad.
Pin it My favorite part is the creamy ricotta in every spoonful. The aroma always reminds me of Sunday afternoons with my family and cousins gathered in the kitchen. Once the bubbling cheese comes out of the oven everyone is drawn to the table like magic.
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep perfectly covered in the fridge for three days. To refresh, cover the dish and bake until hot or microwave individual portions with a splash of water to keep things creamy. For longer storage freeze individual slices or wrap the whole unbaked ziti tightly so you always have a meal ready for later.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap penne or rigatoni for ziti if that is what you have in the pantry. If you are out of ricotta try cottage cheese for a similar richness. For a dairy free version use your favorite plant based mozzarella and ricotta alternatives but check for meltability. Sprinkle in cooked ground sausage or thin slices of roasted zucchini for a different spin.
Serving Suggestions
Round out your meal with garlic bread for dunking and a big crisp salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance all that cheesy richness. I love serving ziti at potlucks since it holds heat well and slices into tidy servings making it easy for guests.
Cultural and Historical Notes
Baked ziti is a beloved Italian American classic that bridges homestyle Italian cooking with the ease and comfort food traditions of the United States. It borrows inspiration from baked pasta dishes of Southern Italy but is adapted for busy American kitchens often doubling as a favorite holiday or celebration meal.
Seasonal Adaptations
Mix in roasted vegetables such as mushrooms or eggplant for a fall twist Add a handful of baby spinach for a boost of color and nutrition in the spring Top with fresh tomatoes or torn basil in summer for a garden fresh flourish
Pin it This versatile baked ziti always brings people together and never fails to impress with its melty layers and comforting flavors. Share it generously and savor every last bite.
Common Questions
- → What kind of pasta works best for this dish?
Ziti is ideal thanks to its tube shape, but penne or rigatoni can also be used.
- → Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, jarred marinara works well for quick preparation; homemade sauce adds depth of flavor.
- → What cheeses are layered in this bake?
Ricotta adds creaminess, while mozzarella delivers melted, stringy goodness on top.
- → Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead?
You can assemble in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready for a convenient meal.
- → What are good side dishes to serve?
Garlic bread, green salads, or roasted vegetables are excellent pairs for hearty baked pasta.