Description
This Best Baked Ziti Ever recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining perfectly cooked pasta, a rich homemade marinara sauce, and three cheeses baked to bubbling perfection. It’s easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to be a family favorite for weeknight dinners, special gatherings, or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne, rigatoni)
- 4 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Sauce:
If using meat, brown Italian sausage or ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add marinara sauce, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes. - Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, the egg, chopped basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth. - Assemble the Dish:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half the pasta, half the ricotta mixture, and half the remaining sauce. Repeat the layers and finish by topping with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese. - Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve and Enjoy:
Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake as instructed when ready.
- Freezing Instructions: This dish freezes well. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Customizations: Add sautéed vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Alternatives: Swap ricotta for cottage cheese or use plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Best baked ziti recipe, cheesy baked ziti, baked ziti with ricotta, easy Italian pasta recipe, comfort food dinner,