Classic Baked Ziti – A Comfort Food Favorite
If you’re craving Italian comfort food that’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, nothing beats a warm dish of ziti. Often compared to lasagna, baked ziti is a family-style pasta casserole layered with tender pasta, savory tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of gooey melted cheese. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together—perfect for Sunday dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week.
The beauty of ziti lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish that tastes like it’s straight from an Italian kitchen.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- 1 lb ziti pasta (uncooked)
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg (to bind ricotta mixture)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Cook the Pasta – Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook ziti until al dente (about 1 minute less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce – In a skillet, heat olive oil. Add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Add ground beef/sausage, season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook until browned. Stir in marinara and tomato sauce. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Make Ricotta Mixture – In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, half of the Parmesan, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Assemble the Ziti – In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer as follows:
- Spread 1 cup of sauce on the bottom.
- Add half the pasta, then dollop half the ricotta mixture.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella.
- Repeat with remaining pasta, ricotta, and sauce.
- Finish with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake – Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest & Serve – Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley or basil.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Serving Size: 6–8 servings
Tips & Variations
- Cheesy Upgrade: Add provolone or fontina for an extra cheesy pull.
- Protein Twist: Try ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian version with mushrooms and zucchini.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the dish a day before and refrigerate. Just bake when ready to serve.
- Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes.
- Extra Creamy: Mix a little Alfredo sauce with marinara for a creamier base.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Low-Oil: Use lean ground turkey or chicken and skip added olive oil.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta such as brown rice or chickpea ziti.
- Keto-Friendly: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Dairy-Free: Swap ricotta and mozzarella with plant-based cheese alternatives.
- Low-Fat: Use part-skim mozzarella and light ricotta.
Serving Suggestions
Baked ziti is best served straight from the oven with a side of garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables. For a complete Italian-inspired dinner, pair it with a glass of red wine like Chianti.
This dish is a crowd-pleaser, meal-prep friendly, and freezer-safe—making it one of the best pasta bakes you’ll ever make at home. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, this ziti recipe never disappoints.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I make ziti ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Q2: Can I freeze baked ziti?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat covered in the oven until hot.
Q3: Do I have to use ricotta cheese?
Not necessarily. You can substitute with cottage cheese, mascarpone, or even cream cheese.
Q4: How do I keep baked ziti from drying out?
Don’t overbake. Keep it covered with foil for most of the baking time to retain moisture.
Q5: What’s the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?
Lasagna is layered with flat sheets of pasta, while ziti uses tubular pasta mixed with sauce and cheese for a more rustic style.
