Some nights call for a hearty, cheesy pasta dish that brings everyone to the table.
Baked ziti does exactly that, with layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese baked until golden and bubbly.
It’s a dish that feels warm, filling, and full of flavor, whether made for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with family and friends.
The best part? It’s simple to make and even better the next day. The sauce seeps into the pasta, the cheese forms a delicious crust, and every forkful has just the right balance of textures.
Whether you keep it classic or add sausage, ground beef, or vegetables, this baked ziti recipe is a must-have for anyone who loves cheesy, baked pasta dishes.
Why This Baked Ziti Recipe Stands Out
This dish hits all the right notes—cheesy, saucy, and baked to perfection. A great baked ziti should have a balanced sauce-to-pasta ratio, creamy layers of cheese, and a golden crust on top. This recipe makes sure every bite is full of flavor.
- Rich Tomato Sauce – A combination of crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning gives depth to every bite.
- Three Types of Cheese – Mozzarella for stretch, ricotta for creaminess, and Parmesan for sharpness.
- Baked Until Golden – The oven does the final magic, melting the cheese and slightly crisping the edges.
- Easy to Make Ahead – Assemble in advance and bake when ready, making it great for busy nights.
This baked ziti brings classic Italian flavors together in one pan, making it a favorite for any occasion.
Simple Ingredients for a Flavorful Baked Ziti
A great baked ziti doesn’t need a long list of ingredients—just a few essentials to create a dish that’s cheesy, saucy, and full of flavor.
- Ziti Pasta – Holds its shape and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Crushed Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce – The base for a deeply flavorful sauce.
- Garlic & Onion – Adds an aromatic depth that enhances the sauce.
- Ground Beef or Sausage (Optional) – Adds a savory, meaty bite for extra flavor.
- Ricotta Cheese – Makes the dish creamy and rich.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully, creating those gooey cheese pulls.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a sharp, salty contrast to balance the richness.
- Italian Seasoning & Red Pepper Flakes – Brings a hint of warmth and spice to the sauce.
With these ingredients, every bite of baked ziti is full of flavor, texture, and cheesy goodness.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Baked Ziti
This dish comes together easily, making it a great go-to for a quick and satisfying meal. The key is layering the ingredients so each bite has the right balance of pasta, sauce, and cheese.
- Cook the Pasta – Boil the ziti in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce – Sauté onions and garlic, add crushed tomatoes, season with Italian herbs, and let simmer.
- Mix the Ricotta Layer – Stir together ricotta, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt for a creamy filling.
- Layer Everything in a Baking Dish – Start with sauce, add pasta, dollop the ricotta mixture, sprinkle mozzarella, and repeat.
- Bake Until Golden – Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake until bubbly and slightly crisp on top.
- Let It Rest Before Serving – Allowing it to cool for 5-10 minutes helps the layers set.
Baking the dish lets all the flavors meld together, creating a pasta bake that’s rich, cheesy, and deeply comforting.
Toppings and Variations for More Flavor
Baked ziti is easy to customize, letting you adjust ingredients based on what you have or prefer.
| Variation | What It Adds |
|---|---|
| Italian Sausage | A spiced, meaty depth of flavor. |
| Spinach or Kale | Adds freshness and balances the richness. |
| Mushrooms & Peppers | Brings a bit of texture and earthiness. |
| Extra Spices (Red Pepper Flakes, Oregano, Basil) | Enhances the overall seasoning of the dish. |
| Heavy Cream in the Sauce | Creates an extra creamy tomato base. |
These small adjustments bring new layers of flavor, making the dish just how you like it.
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How to Store and Reheat Baked Ziti
Baked ziti stores well and can easily be made ahead of time. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers just as good—if not better—the next day.
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Assemble the dish but don’t bake. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, adding a little extra sauce or cheese if needed.
Keeping the pasta and sauce moist ensures it reheats well without drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another type of pasta instead of ziti?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or even rotini work well since they hold sauce nicely.
2. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra flavor.
3. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes! Cottage cheese works as a substitute, though ricotta gives a creamier texture.
4. Should I bake it covered or uncovered?
Start covered to keep moisture in, then uncover for the last few minutes to brown the cheese.
5. What’s the best way to make this ahead of time?
Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if chilled.
This baked ziti recipe is everything you need for a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal—easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for leftovers.
Baked Ziti
Equipment
- Large pot For boiling the pasta
- Skillet For preparing the sauce
- Baking Dish For layering and baking the ziti
- Mixing Bowl For combining the ricotta cheese mixture
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage optional
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- fresh basil chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft.
- If using meat, add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and crushed tomatoes. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella.
- In a baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce, followed by half of the pasta and dollops of the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers and top with the remaining mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add a bit of heavy cream to the ricotta mixture.
- Use whole-milk mozzarella for better melting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!