Cheesy Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is my go-to when I need to feed a crowd or just want a big, cozy pan of pasta. Layers of marinara, ricotta, and melty mozzarella bubble up into pure comfort.

It’s easy to assemble ahead and bakes into a golden, cheesy masterpiece.

Prep: 15 min  |  Cook: 30 min  |  Total: 45 min  |  Serves: 8

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheesy, saucy, and deeply comforting.
• Feeds a crowd and reheats beautifully.
• Easy to assemble ahead of time.

Cheesy Baked Ziti

Cheesy, saucy baked ziti with layers of marinara and melty mozzarella. The ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 440

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped basil

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and cook the ziti until just shy of al dente. Drain.
2. Heat the olive oil in a pan and cook the onion for 4 minutes, then add the garlic for 30 seconds. Stir in the marinara and simmer 5 minutes.
3. In a bowl, mix the ricotta, egg, parmesan, and half the basil.
4. Toss the drained pasta with the marinara sauce.
5. Layer half the pasta in a baking dish, dollop with the ricotta mixture, then top with the rest of the pasta and all the mozzarella.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Top with basil and serve.

Tips for the Best Results

• Undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t turn mushy in the oven.
• Cover with foil if the top browns too fast.
• Let it rest 10 minutes before serving so it sets.

Variations

• Add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the sauce.
• Stir spinach into the ricotta.
• Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone.

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat covered at 350°F until hot.