How To Make Baked Ziti Recipe

Introduction

Baked ziti is a comforting Italian-American classic that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This cheesy pasta casserole combines tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of creamy cheeses baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

• 1 medium yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 1/2 ounces Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup grated), divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 5 cups marinara sauce (about 46 ounces)
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more for seasoning
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound dried ziti or penne pasta
• 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 8 ounces shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups), divided

Instructions

1. Step 1: Finely chop the onion and garlic. Grate the Parmesan cheese and set aside half for later use.
2. Step 2: Preheat the oven to 375°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil for the pasta.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 12 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the marinara sauce and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat.
5. Step 5: Cook the pasta in the boiling water according to package directions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, mix ricotta cheese with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl.
6. Step 6: Drain the pasta and return it to the empty pot. Add half of the sauce (about 3 cups) and stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: Fold the ricotta mixture into the pasta gently, leaving pockets of ricotta throughout.
8. Step 8: Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded mozzarella.
9. Step 9: Add the remaining pasta in an even layer. Pour the rest of the sauce over the top and spread evenly. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and remaining 1/4 cup grated Parmesan.
10. Step 10: Bake uncovered until edges bubble and cheese is melted and browned in spots, about 30 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add cooked Italian sausage or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.
• Use fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top before serving for a bright finish.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, stir the ricotta mixture more thoroughly into the pasta.
• Substitute penne for ziti as they hold sauce equally well.

Storage

Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally for even warming.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What can I use if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

If you don’t have ricotta, substitute with cottage cheese or a soft cream cheese blended until smooth. This will keep the creamy texture in the dish.

How To Make Baked Ziti Recipe

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4.8 from 117 reviews

• Author: Aiden
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This classic baked ziti recipe features perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed in a rich marinara sauce, layered with creamy ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, then baked to bubbly, golden perfection. A comforting Italian-American favorite that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Mixture

• 1 1/2 ounces Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup grated), divided
• 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 8 ounces shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups), divided

Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 5 cups marinara sauce (about 46 ounces)
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more for seasoning
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Pasta

• 1 pound dried ziti or penne pasta

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Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Finely chop the yellow onion and garlic cloves. Grate Parmesan cheese, reserving half for layering and mixing the ricotta cheese.
2. Preheat Oven and Boil Water: Arrange an oven rack in the middle position and preheat to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to boil over medium-high heat for the pasta.
3. Make the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with kosher salt and black pepper, cooking and stirring occasionally until the onions are softened, about 12 minutes. Add marinara sauce and 1 teaspoon kosher salt, stir, and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat.
4. Cook Pasta: Add dried ziti or penne pasta to the boiling salted water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta once cooked and return it to the empty pot.
5. Mix Ricotta Filling: In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir until well combined.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add half of the marinara sauce (about 3 cups) to the drained pasta, stirring to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper as needed. Gently fold the ricotta mixture into the pasta, ensuring there are still visible pockets of ricotta.
7. Assemble the Baked Ziti: Spread half of the pasta mixture in an even layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over it, spreading evenly. Top with remaining 1 cup shredded mozzarella and remaining 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven until the edges are bubbling and the cheese is melted and browned in spots, about 30 minutes.
9. Rest and Serve: Let the baked ziti cool for 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier.

Notes

• Use whole-milk ricotta for a creamier texture; part-skim ricotta can be used for lower fat content.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, adjust or omit the red pepper flakes to your taste.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free pasta and ensure marinara sauce is gluten-free.
• Adding fresh basil or Italian seasoning to the sauce can enhance flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: baked ziti, ziti recipe, baked pasta, Italian pasta bake, ricotta pasta bake, comfort food