Baked Ziti
Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy, and hearty Italian-American pasta dish made with ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. It’s baked until bubbly and golden, making it a perfect meal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. This dish is easy to customize with meat, extra veggies, or different cheeses for added flavor and texture.
Ingredients
(Serves 6-8)
For the Pasta:
1 lb ziti pasta (or penne, rigatoni)
1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Sauce:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or use ground turkey/chicken for a lighter option)
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
For the Cheese Layer:
1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter version)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
For Topping:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp chopped parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add ziti pasta and cook 1-2 minutes less than the package directions (since it will continue cooking in the oven).
3. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce
4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
5. Add onion and saute for 2-3 minutes until soft.
6. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
8. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
9. Let simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10. Stir in fresh basil or parsley and remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
11. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
4. Assemble the Baked Ziti
12. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
13. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread ½ cup of the sauce on the bottom.
14. Add half of the cooked ziti and half of the sauce, then dollop half of the ricotta mixture evenly over it.
15. Repeat with the remaining ziti, sauce, and ricotta mixture.
16. Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake the Ziti
17. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
18. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
19. Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve.
Nutritional Information
(Per Serving – Based on 8 Servings)
Calories: ~450 kcal
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 780mg
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: ~55 minutes
Notes & Tips
Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and add sauteed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra flavor.
Make it ahead: Assemble the baked ziti up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Freeze it: Freeze assembled (unbaked) or baked ziti for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 375°F for 30-40 minutes.
Lighter version: Use whole wheat pasta, ground turkey, and cottage cheese instead of ricotta.
Extra cheesy: Add provolone or more mozzarella for an even cheesier dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use penne instead of ziti?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or any tube-shaped pasta works just as well.
2. How do I prevent baked ziti from drying out?
Cook the pasta slightly under al dente so it doesn’t absorb all the sauce.
Cover with foil while baking to keep moisture in.
Use extra sauce if you prefer a saucier dish.
3. Can I use store-bought pasta sauce?
Absolutely! A 24-oz jar of marinara sauce works great if you’re short on time.
4. What’s the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?
Baked ziti is easier and quicker to assemble since it uses pasta instead of layered sheets like lasagna. It’s also less structured but just as cheesy and delicious!
5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
6. Can I add more protein?
Yes! Mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or more ground meat for extra protein.
7. How do I make baked ziti more flavorful?
Use fresh garlic, basil, and quality cheese.
Brown the meat with a little red wine for depth of flavor.
Add a dash of sugar to balance acidity in the sauce
Baked Ziti is a crowd-pleasing, make-ahead-friendly, and freezer-friendly comfort food that never fails. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or meal prep, this cheesy, saucy pasta bake will always be a hit!