Best Baked Ziti Ever Recipe

There’s nothing like the comforting aroma of baked ziti bubbling in the oven to make your kitchen feel like home. With layers of tender pasta, tangy marinara, gooey melted cheese, and a perfectly golden crust, this dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

I first discovered this recipe when hosting a last-minute dinner party. It needed to be simple enough to whip up quickly but impressive enough to delight my guests. Now, it’s my go-to for everything from weeknight dinners to potlucks. Let’s dive in and see why this baked ziti deserves a spot on your table.

Why You'll Love This Best Baked Ziti Ever Recipe

Get ready to meet your new favorite comfort food. This baked ziti is a masterpiece of flavor, texture, and ease that will leave everyone at the table raving.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With simple, pantry-staple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe comes together effortlessly, even on busy nights.

Next, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re serving your family or hosting a gathering, this dish provides generous portions that satisfy even the hungriest appetites.

The balance of flavors is just right. The creamy ricotta, rich marinara, and gooey mozzarella combine to create a harmonious dish that’s equal parts hearty and indulgent.

Finally, it’s highly adaptable. Whether you want to make it vegetarian, add extra protein, or spice it up, this recipe welcomes all kinds of creative tweaks.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to the perfect baked ziti lies in its ingredients, each chosen to create a deliciously rich and satisfying dish.

Start with ziti pasta. Its tubular shape holds the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. If you can’t find ziti, penne or rigatoni make great substitutes.

The marinara sauce is a star player here. A high-quality jarred marinara works perfectly, but if you have time to make your own, it will take this dish to the next level. Choose one with a robust, tomato-forward flavor.

Ricotta cheese adds creaminess and depth to the dish. Opt for whole-milk ricotta for the richest texture, though part-skim works if you’re looking for a lighter option.

Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese are essential for that gooey, golden topping. Shred fresh mozzarella if possible, as pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that affect melting.

Finally, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.

You’ll also need a large baking dish, preferably a 9x13-inch pan, for assembling and baking your ziti.

How To Make This Best Baked Ziti Ever Recipe

Making baked ziti is as straightforward as it is satisfying. Follow these simple steps for a flawless result.

Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Be sure to cook it just shy of al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

While the pasta cooks, prepare the cheese mixture. In a bowl, combine ricotta, half the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and a beaten egg. Mix well until creamy and set aside.

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of your baking dish.

Now it’s time to assemble. Layer half the cooked pasta into the dish, then spread half the cheese mixture over it. Top with marinara sauce, spreading evenly to cover. Repeat with the remaining pasta, cheese mixture, and marinara.

Finish with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella on top. For an extra-special touch, sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan and a few dashes of Italian seasoning over the mozzarella.

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden-brown spots. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

This dish is ready in just under an hour and will leave your kitchen smelling amazing.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), baked ziti stores wonderfully.

Refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.

For longer storage, baked ziti can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for easy meal prep. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat frozen ziti directly in the oven or microwave, but add a splash of marinara to prevent dryness.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about baked ziti is how versatile it is.

Make it vegetarian by adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini in place of meat.

For a heartier option, brown some ground beef, sausage, or turkey and layer it with the pasta.

Love spice? Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the marinara sauce for a fiery kick.

Swap out cheeses for a twist on flavor. Try using Fontina or Gouda in place of mozzarella, or Pecorino Romano for a sharper Parmesan alternative.

Don’t have ricotta? Cottage cheese makes a great substitute – just blend it for a smoother texture.

This baked ziti is truly a blank canvas for your creativity. Experiment with your favorite ingredients to make it uniquely yours!

Print