Creamy, cheesy baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food, featuring layers of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and loads of gooey melted cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a cozy gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Cheesy A rich ricotta mixture and plenty of melty cheese make this extra indulgent.
- Easy to Make Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Great for Meal Prep Freezer-friendly and perfect for leftovers.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food Ideal for potlucks, holidays, or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- Ziti or penne pasta
- Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
For the Creamy Cheese Mixture:
- Ricotta cheese
- Cream cheese, softened
- Egg
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
For Topping:
- More shredded mozzarella
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Directions
Prepare the Pasta & Sauce:
- Cook the Pasta Boil ziti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Meat (If Using) In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until soft. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned.
- Make the Sauce Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture:
- Mix the Cheeses In a bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, egg, Parmesan, mozzarella, and chopped basil or parsley.
Assemble the Baked Ziti:
- Preheat Oven Set to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the Ingredients Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the dish. Layer half the pasta, then half the ricotta mixture. Add more sauce, then repeat layers.
- Top with Cheese Sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Bake & Serve:
- Bake Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish & Serve Let rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Meatless Version Skip the meat for a vegetarian baked ziti.
- Extra Creamy Add a splash of heavy cream to the cheese mixture.
- Spicy Kick Use spicy Italian sausage or extra red pepper flakes.
- Pesto Twist Mix in a spoonful of pesto for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze Freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 50-60 minutes.
- Reheat Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes! Blend cottage cheese for a smoother texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking.
What’s the best cheese for baked ziti?
Mozzarella for gooeyness, Parmesan for flavor, and ricotta for creaminess.
Can I use penne instead of ziti?
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta works well.
How do I prevent watery baked ziti?
Drain the pasta well and use full-fat ricotta or cream cheese.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and check sauce labels for hidden gluten.
What side dishes go with baked ziti?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.
Can I add veggies?
Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers add extra nutrition.
Why is my ziti dry?
Not enough sauce—add a little extra before baking.
Can I bake it without covering it?
Covering prevents drying out, but you can bake uncovered for a crispier top.
Conclusion
Creamy, cheesy baked ziti is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether for a weeknight dinner, potluck, or meal prep, this baked pasta dish is sure to be a hit. Try it today for a delicious, satisfying meal!
Description
This Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with layers of rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, this easy baked pasta dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
For the Pasta:
For the Sauce:
For the Creamy Ricotta Mixture:
For Topping:
Prepare the Pasta:
- Boil the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook ziti until al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
Make the Meat Sauce:
-
Sauté the Onion & Garlic:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Brown the Meat:
- Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
-
Add the Sauce & Simmer:
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- Mix the Ricotta Layer:
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, sour cream, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.
Assemble the Baked Ziti:
-
Layer the Ingredients:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread ½ cup sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the cooked pasta, then half of the ricotta mixture, followed by half of the remaining sauce.
- Repeat layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and sauce.
-
Add the Cheese Topping:
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake & Serve:
-
Bake Until Bubbly:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
-
Garnish & Enjoy:
- Let sit for 5-10 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Make it extra creamy by mixing ½ cup heavy cream into the sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
