✨ A Delicious Classic with a Modern Twist
Did you know baked ziti dates back to 18th-century Southern Italy, where it was often served during Sunday family gatherings and special feasts? Traditionally made with simple, hearty ingredients, this comforting dish has traveled across the world and evolved into countless versions. The baked ziti with ricotta we’re sharing today is fast, foolproof, and fantastically flavorful—all in just 30 minutes!
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or craving a cheesy indulgence, this recipe hits every mark. Ready to discover why this dish is a timeless favorite? Let’s dive in!
✅ Why This Baked Ziti with Ricotta Recipe Works
🔬 Science-Backed Cooking Techniques
- High-Heat Baking (375°F): Encourages the Maillard reaction, giving you that irresistible golden cheese crust without drying out the pasta.
- Layering Sauce and Cheese: Prevents the dish from getting soggy, ensuring a well-balanced bite every time.
🎯 Perfect Flavor & Texture
- Three-Cheese Combo: Ricotta for creaminess, mozzarella for stretch, Parmesan for umami.
- Herb Boost: A sprinkle of basil and oregano adds layers of warmth and aroma.
🍝 How to Make Baked Ziti with Ricotta Recipe (Quick Overview)
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Difficulty: Easy
🔑 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Fast enough for weeknights, decadent enough for guests
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Customizable with pantry staples
🧾 Key Ingredients for Baked Ziti with Ricotta Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ziti pasta | 1 pound | Cooked al dente |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 1/2 cups | Full-fat for best creaminess |
| Mozzarella cheese | 2 cups | Shredded |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup | Freshly grated preferred |
| Marinara sauce | 3 cups | Homemade or store-bought |
| Egg | 1 | Helps bind the ricotta |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | Sautéed into sauce |
| Basil & Oregano | 1 tsp each | Dried or fresh |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | For sautéing garlic |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste | Taste as you go |
🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Cook the ziti in salted water until just al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the ricotta mixture: In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, half the Parmesan, salt, pepper, and dried herbs.
4️⃣ Sauté the garlic in olive oil for 1 minute, add marinara, and let simmer for 5 minutes.
5️⃣ Layer the casserole: In a baking dish, spread sauce, half the pasta, ricotta mix, more sauce, then mozzarella. Repeat.
6️⃣ Top with Parmesan and remaining mozzarella. Cover with foil.
7️⃣ Bake for 20 minutes covered, then uncover and broil 2-3 minutes until golden.
8️⃣ Let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!
Baked Ziti with Ricotta Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz 340 g ziti pasta
- 3 cups 720 ml marinara sauce
- 1½ cups 340 g ricotta cheese
- 2 cups 200 g shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare ricotta mixture: In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, half of the Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Layer the casserole in a 9×13-inch baking dish:
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce.
- Add half the cooked ziti.
- Spoon half the ricotta mixture.
- Sprinkle half the mozzarella.
- Repeat all layers.
- Top with remaining Parmesan.
- Bake covered for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
💡 Recipe Notes & Expert Tips
- Use a broiler-safe pan for extra crispy cheese topping.
- Sub marinara with arrabbiata for a spicy kick.
- Add protein: Ground beef or sausage can be folded into the sauce.
❗ Troubleshooting Guide: Why Did My Ziti Turn Out…?
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
| Too dry | Not enough sauce | Add more marinara next time |
| Mushy pasta | Overcooked noodles before baking | Cook pasta until just al dente |
| Watery ricotta layer | Ricotta not drained or no egg binder | Add egg, use thicker ricotta |
| Cheese not browned | Didn’t broil or used low-temp oven | Broil last 2-3 mins or increase final bake temp |
🔥 Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti with Ricotta Recipe
- Flavor Bomb: Creamy, savory, herby, and cheesy in every bite.
- Budget Friendly: Way cheaper than takeout or pre-made meals.
- Make-Ahead Approved: Great for meal prep or freezer meals.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Easily scaled for gatherings.
Compared to lasagna, this version skips the layering fuss but delivers all the comfort.
🌿 Healthy Cooking Tips for Baked Ziti
- Use whole wheat ziti for added fiber.
- Swap ricotta for low-fat cottage cheese to reduce fat content.
- Add zucchini or spinach to the sauce for hidden veggies.
🧪 Nutritional Info (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 24g | Carbs: 39g | Fat: 21g | Fiber: 3g
Source: Calculated using USDA Food Data Central
❓ What is Baked Ziti with Ricotta Recipe?
It’s a layered pasta bake featuring tubular ziti noodles, creamy ricotta cheese, tomato-based sauce, and melted mozzarella. Basically, it’s lasagna’s low-maintenance cousin—and it’s just as delicious.
Ever wonder why it’s called “ziti”? The name comes from the Italian word zita, meaning bride, because the dish was once a wedding staple in Naples!
Ready to bring a bit of Italian tradition to your kitchen? Let’s make it!
🍽️ What to Serve with Baked Ziti with Ricotta
- Side Dish: Garlic bread or Caesar salad balances the richness.
- Drink Pairing: A light red wine like Chianti or sparkling water with lemon.
- Toppings: Red chili flakes, fresh basil, or a drizzle of pesto.
👨🍳 Top Tips for Perfecting Baked Ziti
- Ingredient Swaps: Use penne or rigatoni if you’re out of ziti.
- Avoid Overbaking: Set a timer to keep cheese from burning.
- Flavor Boost: Add a dash of balsamic vinegar to the sauce for depth.
👨👩👧👦 Making This Recipe for a Crowd
Hosting a party? Just double the recipe and use a deep roasting pan. Bake covered for 10 minutes longer and serve with a buffet of toppings like olives, herbs, and shredded Parmesan.
👶 Kid-Friendly Version
- Reduce spice in the sauce.
- Use fun-shaped pasta like mini shells.
- Top with extra cheese for gooey fun!
🎨 Creative Variations
- 🌶 Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper and spicy Italian sausage.
- 🌱 Vegan Option: Use almond ricotta, vegan mozzarella, and skip the egg.
- 🍞 Gluten-Free: Choose GF pasta brands like Banza or Jovial.
🍳 Best Cooking Tools & Equipment
- 13×9″ baking dish
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Mixing bowls for cheese blends
- Silicone spatula for easy layering
Optional: Use a lasagna pan for taller layers!
❄️ Storing and Reheating Tips
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days | Microwave 2-3 mins or bake at 350°F for 10 mins |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Thaw overnight; bake at 375°F for 25 mins |
- Let cool before storing to prevent condensation.
- Store in airtight containers for best results.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
✔ Yes! Assemble it up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
✔ Absolutely. Store in foil-wrapped containers for up to 3 months.
Can I make baked ziti without ricotta?
✔ Yes, use cottage cheese or a bechamel sauce instead.
What’s the best pan for crispy baked ziti?
✔ A broiler-safe ceramic or metal baking dish will brown the cheese best.
How do I keep it from being watery?
✔ Drain ricotta and pasta well, don’t over-sauce.
How do I reheat baked ziti evenly?
✔ Oven reheating works best—cover with foil and bake at 350°F.
🔗 Conclusion & More Recipes
There you have it—your go-to, 30-minute baked ziti with ricotta recipe that combines Italian comfort with modern-day ease. Whether you’re prepping dinner or planning a potluck, this dish brings bold flavors, creamy textures, and big smiles to the table.
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