If you’ve been searching for a comforting yet straightforward dinner that never fails to satisfy, this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a luscious marriage of tender pasta, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and savory tomato sauce baked to bubbly perfection—all wrapped up in a dish that’s as cozy as it is crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, this recipe brings hearty Italian flavors right into your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples that work together beautifully to build the rich, comforting layers of this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe. Each adds its own special touch, from the creamy cheese blend to the fragrant spices that elevate every bite.
- Ziti pasta (1 pound): The perfect tubular shape holds onto sauce and cheese for maximum flavor in every mouthful.
- Pasta sauce (1 jar, 24 oz or homemade): A robust, tomato-based sauce forms the heart of this dish—feel free to use your favorite brand or recipe.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Adds creamy richness and a delicate texture that balances the tangy sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey, stretchy perfection, crowning the dish with cheesy goodness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Sprinkled on top for a sharp, nutty finish that deepens the flavor.
- Egg (1): Helps bind the ricotta mixture for a luscious, cohesive filling.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Onion powder (1 tsp): Enhances the sauce’s flavor with a subtle sweetness and warmth.
- Italian seasoning (½ tsp): Brings a melange of herbs that tie the whole dish together beautifully.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that heighten all the components.
- Optional toppings (fresh basil, sliced pepperoni, or extra cheese): Personalized additions that bring color and extra flair.
How to Make Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Dish
Start by heating your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to make sure your baked ziti doesn’t stick and cleanup is quick and painless.
Step 2: Cook the Ziti Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the ziti according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside while you prepare the flavorful sauce mixture.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce and Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, combine the pasta sauce, creamy ricotta, the binding egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Stir it all together until it’s thick, luscious, and bursting with savory goodness.
Step 4: Assemble Your Ziti Layers
Spoon half of the cooked pasta into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top this with half of your sauce and cheese mixture. Repeat with the remaining pasta and sauce mixture, building layers that promise every spoonful will be loaded with flavor.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top, then slide the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden crust that’s impossible to resist.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve
Once baked, let your ziti rest for a few minutes to let the flavors settle and the dish firm up slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or sprinkle on extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent before you dig in.
How to Serve Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves add a pop of bright color and herbal freshness that perfectly complement the richness of the baked ziti. You can also add sliced pepperoni or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan to personalize your dish and make it even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with classic companions like warm garlic bread to soak up every delicious drop of sauce, a crisp green salad to refresh the palate, or even a comforting bowl of homemade tomato soup for a full Italian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, consider serving individual portions in small ramekins, topped with a sprig of fresh basil or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. You can also jazz it up by mixing in your favorite roasted veggies like spinach or broccoli to add color and a nutritional boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your baked ziti to cool completely before placing any leftovers in an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will stay delicious for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or dinners that feel like homemade comfort food.
Freezing
This Easy Baked Ziti Recipe freezes wonderfully. Assemble the dish but don’t bake it, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through and bubbly. If you want to revive that crispy cheese topping, a quick broil for a minute or two works like magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for baked ziti?
Absolutely! While traditional ziti is preferred for its tubular shape, penne or rigatoni also hold sauce well and make great alternatives.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This baked ziti is already vegetarian, but you can enhance it by adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra veggies and flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, swap out the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives to create a delicious dairy-free version.
What’s the best way to prevent the dish from drying out?
Ensure there’s enough sauce mixed in with the pasta layers and cover the baking dish loosely with foil for the first 20 minutes, uncovering it towards the end to brown the cheese.
Can I prepare this in advance and bake later?
Definitely! Assemble your Easy Baked Ziti Recipe up to an hour ahead, refrigerate, then bake right before serving for a stress-free meal.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Ziti Recipe is a wonderful blend of cheesy comfort and simple execution that makes dinner feel special without any of the fuss. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend meal, it’s bound to become a family favorite that brings joy with every warm, cheesy bite. Give it a try—you might just discover your new go-to comfort food!
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Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American classic featuring tender pasta baked in a rich tomato sauce blended with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this dish layers ziti pasta with a flavorful cheese sauce, baked until golden and bubbly. It’s customizable with your favorite toppings and pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Fresh basil leaves
- Sliced pepperoni
- Additional shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the pasta sauce, ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.
- Assemble the Dish: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta evenly. Spoon half of the sauce mixture over the pasta. Repeat with the remaining pasta and sauce mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the assembled pasta and sauce layers.
- Bake the Ziti: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes. Slice and serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves or additional cheese if desired.
- Optional Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or a bowl of homemade tomato soup to complete the meal.
Notes
- Use a good-quality pasta sauce or homemade sauce for better flavor.
- Customize the dish by adding veggies like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms.
- Prepare the dish up to an hour in advance; cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in the oven for a crispier finish.
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to avoid mushy baked ziti.
