Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe

Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella is a classic Italian-American comfort food made with tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese. Garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan add savory depth, while baking brings the ingredients together beneath a golden, bubbling cheese topping.

This easy baked ziti recipe works well for family dinners, weekend meals, or casual gatherings. The pasta is layered with a creamy ricotta mixture and tomato sauce, creating a satisfying combination of textures in every serving. Pair it with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete homemade meal.

Why This Baked Ziti Recipe Works So Well

• Straightforward Preparation: The recipe uses familiar cooking techniques, including boiling pasta, simmering sauce, mixing cheese, and baking everything together.
• Generous Portions: Eight servings make this casserole suitable for larger households or meals shared with guests.
• Convenient Ingredients: Ziti, marinara sauce, canned tomatoes, ricotta, and mozzarella are easy to find in most grocery stores.
• Layered Cheese Filling: Ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, and egg combine to create a creamy layer between the pasta.
• Flexible Assembly: The components can be prepared separately before the casserole is assembled and baked.

Key Ingredients for Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella

1. Ziti Pasta: One pound of ziti provides the foundation for this casserole. Its tubular shape holds tomato sauce well, while cooking it slightly under al dente helps prevent it from becoming too soft in the oven.
2. Marinara Sauce and Crushed Tomatoes: The combination creates a tomato-rich coating for the pasta. Choose a marinara sauce with a flavor you enjoy, since it contributes much of the dish’s overall character.
3. Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta provides the creamy middle layer. If it appears watery, drain it briefly before mixing to help prevent excess moisture in the finished casserole.
4. Mozzarella Cheese: Three cups of shredded mozzarella give the dish its stretchy, melted cheese topping and help bind the layers together. Freshly shredded cheese generally melts more smoothly than many pre-shredded varieties.
5. Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a savory, salty note to the ricotta mixture and the topping. Grating it fresh can provide a more pronounced flavor.

Chef’s Tip: Cook the ziti about two minutes less than the package directions suggest for al dente pasta. It will continue cooking in the oven as it absorbs some of the sauce, helping the finished casserole retain its texture.

Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe

Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella is a classic Italian-American comfort food made with tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and layers of melted mozzarella cheese. Italian seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan add savory depth, while baking brings the ingredients together under a golden, bubbling cheese topping.

This easy baked ziti recipe is ideal for family dinners, weekend meals, or casual gatherings. The pasta can be assembled ahead of time and baked when needed, making it a practical option for busy evenings. Serve it with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a satisfying homemade meal.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian-inspired

Servings 8 servings

Calories 425 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander
• Large skillet or saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Mixing bowl
• 9 × 13-inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil
• Cheese grater

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 jar 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 1 can 14.5 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley plus more for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray and set it aside.
  
• Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until just shy of al dente, following the package instructions and reducing the cooking time by about 2 minutes. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside.
  
• Prepare the tomato sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to combine.
  
• Make the ricotta mixture. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and chopped parsley. Stir until the ingredients are evenly combined and the mixture is creamy.
  
• Combine the pasta and sauce. Add the drained ziti to the tomato sauce and toss until the pasta is thoroughly coated. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before assembling the casserole.
  
• Assemble the baked ziti. Spread half of the sauced pasta in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta, spreading it gently without needing to cover every piece. Add the remaining pasta on top. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
  
• Bake until bubbly. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden in spots, and bubbling around the edges.
  
• Rest and serve. Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and serve warm while the cheese is still melted.
  

Notes

• Cook the pasta slightly underdone: Ziti continues to soften while baking. Cooking it just shy of al dente helps prevent a mushy casserole.
• Use good-quality marinara: A flavorful tomato sauce makes a noticeable difference. Choose a sauce you enjoy eating on its own.
• Drain the ricotta if needed: If the ricotta looks particularly watery, drain it briefly before mixing to help prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
• Choose freshly shredded mozzarella: Cheese shredded from a block generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
• Make it vegetarian: Check that the Parmesan and other cheeses use vegetarian-friendly ingredients, as some traditional cheeses contain animal-derived rennet.

Nutrition Information

Easy Variations for Baked Ziti

• Spinach and Ricotta Ziti: Stir chopped spinach into the ricotta mixture for additional vegetables and a different texture.
• Mushroom Baked Ziti: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onion before adding the garlic and tomato sauce.
• Spicy Tomato Ziti: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers for a gentle heat.
• Extra Cheesy Baked Ziti: Add a little more mozzarella to the top layer for a thicker cheese topping.
• Roasted Vegetable Ziti: Fold roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant into the pasta and sauce before assembling the casserole.

More Pasta and Comfort Food Recipes to Try

1. Ricotta & Mozzarella Marvel White Pizza Recipe
2. Tiny Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe
3. Shrimp And Crab Dip Recipe
4. Sausage Stuffed Mushroom Recipe
5. Chicken 65 Biryani Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?
   Baked ziti uses tubular pasta mixed with tomato sauce and layered with cheese, while lasagna is typically assembled with flat pasta sheets and distinct layers of sauce, cheese, and other fillings.
2. Can I use penne instead of ziti?
   Yes. Penne is a suitable substitute because it has a similar tubular shape and holds sauce well. Cook it slightly under al dente before assembling the casserole.
3. Why is an egg added to the ricotta mixture?
   The egg helps the ricotta mixture set as it bakes, giving the cheese layer more structure. It also helps the filling hold together when the casserole is portioned.
4. Should I rinse the pasta after boiling it?
   No. Drain the pasta without rinsing it. Keeping its surface starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta and allows the ingredients to combine more effectively.
5. Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
   Yes. Homemade marinara works well as long as it has a suitable consistency. If it is very thin, simmer it until some of the excess liquid evaporates before mixing it with the pasta.
6. How can I tell when baked ziti is fully cooked?
   The cheese should be melted, the edges should be bubbling, and the center should be heated through. If using a food thermometer, check that the center reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
7. Can I make baked ziti without ricotta cheese?
   Yes. Cottage cheese can be used as an alternative, although it has a different texture and flavor. For a smoother filling, blend the cottage cheese before mixing it with the other filling ingredients.