Easy Baked Ziti

When it comes to crowd-pleasers that deliver both flavor and convenience, baked ziti stands out as a top contender. This dish offers all the rich, cheesy indulgence of lasagna without the extra effort. Perfect for everything from family gatherings to casual weeknight dinners, baked ziti is a classic that satisfies every time. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and always leaves a lasting impression on the table.

With its gooey layers of cheese, perfectly sauced pasta, and versatility, this recipe is a true gem. You don’t have to be a professional chef to master it—baked ziti is approachable and rewarding for cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re serving a crowd or planning ahead for leftovers, this dish never disappoints.

Think of baked ziti as your reliable, comforting go-to meal. It can be customized to suit your tastes with added proteins or veggies and pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or garlic bread. So, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide for making this irresistible dish and see why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No Dry Pasta Woes: Generous amounts of sauce ensure every bite is moist and flavorful.
• Triple Cheese Bliss: Mozzarella for meltiness, Parmesan for depth, and ricotta for creamy pockets.
• Customizable: Add proteins like sausage or veggies like spinach for extra heartiness.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep or freezing for later.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Feeds a group without breaking the bank

Ingredients Overview

For the Pasta and Sauce

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ ounces Parmesan cheese (about ½ cup), finely grated, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 5 cups marinara sauce (about 46 ounces)
• 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more for seasoning
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 pound dried ziti or penne pasta

For the Cheese Layer

• 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups), divided

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a rack in the middle.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
3. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened (about 12 minutes).
4. Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using), marinara sauce, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Season with black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil.
2. Cook 1 pound of ziti or penne pasta until al dente, following package instructions.
3. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

Step 3: Combine the Pasta with Sauce and Cheese

1. Add half of the marinara sauce (about 3 cups) to the pasta and toss to coat.
2. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup ricotta cheese, ¼ cup Parmesan, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon kosher salt.
3. Gently fold the ricotta mixture into the pasta, leaving pockets of cheese for a creamy texture

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

1. Spread half the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta.
3. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, spreading it into an even layer.
4. Pour any remaining marinara sauce over the pasta.
5. Top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

Step 5: Bake the Ziti

1. Bake uncovered at 375°F for about 30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the cheese is golden-brown.
2. Let the baked ziti cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Baked Ziti

1. Don’t Skimp on Sauce: Use plenty to keep the dish moist and flavorful.
2. Layer Strategically: Ensure the pasta is well-sauced before layering for even cooking.
3. Folding vs. Layering Ricotta: Folding it into the pasta prevents dry, grainy spots.
4. Golden-Brown Cheese: For best results, bake uncovered to achieve a bubbly, golden top.
5. Make It Your Own: Add cooked sausage, ground beef, or roasted veggies for a personalized touch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or any tubular pasta with ridges works well for holding the sauce.

Q: How do I make this vegetarian?
A: Use plant-based meat alternatives or omit the meat entirely and add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach.

Q: Can I freeze baked ziti?
A: Yes! Cool the dish completely, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months

How to Store and Reheat

Properly storing and reheating your baked ziti ensures you can enjoy its cheesy, comforting flavors even after the first serving. Follow these tips to keep your dish tasting fresh and delicious every time:

Refrigerating:
Allow the baked ziti to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This method helps maintain the moisture and flavor of the dish while preventing it from drying out.

Freezing:
Baked ziti freezes exceptionally well, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or saving leftovers for a later date. Once the dish has cooled, you can freeze it whole in its baking dish or divide it into smaller portions for individual servings. Wrap the dish tightly with aluminum foil, or place portions in freezer-safe containers. Label with the date, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating from the Refrigerator:
To reheat refrigerated baked ziti, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the ziti to an oven-safe dish if it’s not already in one. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and bake for 20–25 minutes or until heated through. If you prefer using the microwave, heat individual portions on medium power in a microwave-safe container, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Reheating from the Freezer:
For frozen baked ziti, it’s best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Once thawed, follow the same oven instructions as above. If reheating directly from frozen, bake it covered at 375°F for 50–60 minutes, removing the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to become golden and bubbly.

Pro Tips for Best Results:

• Add a splash of marinara sauce or a sprinkle of water over the ziti before reheating to prevent it from drying out.
• If reheating in the oven, check periodically to ensure the edges don’t overcook or burn.
• For an extra cheesy topping, sprinkle a bit more shredded mozzarella or Parmesan before reheating.

By following these guidelines, your baked ziti will retain its signature cheesy, saucy goodness every time you reheat it!

Conclusion

With its layers of gooey cheese, hearty pasta, and robust marinara, this Easy Baked Ziti is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or bringing a dish to a potluck, this recipe hits all the right notes. Its simple preparation and budget-friendly ingredients make it a winning choice for cooks of all levels.

Get creative with add-ins like sausage, spinach, or zucchini to make it uniquely yours. From its comforting flavors to its irresistible texture, baked ziti is a dish you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Try it out today, and let this cheesy classic earn a spot in your weekly rotation!