Name: Baked Ziti
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces ricotta cheese; ¼ cup olive oil; 12 ounces 3 cups mozzarella cheese; 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese; 1 ½ pounds 7 ½ cups ziti; 3 cloves garlic (minced); ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 28 ounce cans crushed tomatoes; ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

Baked zitiis a classic Italian dish that appeals to the masses. My version is made with noodles, homemade tomato sauce, and heaps of cheese.

Baked ziti being scooped out of baking dish with a cheese pull.

There is something so comforting about a pasta dish. It just feels like down home cooking to me. The smell of tomato sauce and cheese baking can transport me immediately to being around a large table with my family growing up. Funny how smells can do such a thing.

Adults and children alike enjoy baked ziti. It is inexpensive to make and comes together quickly. I’ve made this dish for friends that have had a baby or a recent surgery and it has been so well received. Pair them with mybreadsticksorgarlic knotsto really top off the meal!

A white baking dish with baked ziti in it with breadsticks in the background.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked ziti is a pasta dish that easily feeds a large group of people and is simple to make.
It is very similar to lasagna, but is so much easier to put together without comprising any of the deliciousness.
Loaded with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this dish is a cheese lover’s dream.

Recipe Ingredients

Cheese –Ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese
Ziti
Olive oil
Garlic
Red pepper flakes
Crushed tomatoes– canned
Basil –Fresh gives the best flavor

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities

ziti al forno raw ingredients portioned on a table

How to Make Baked Ziti

Step 1.Mix ricotta with oil, salt, and pepper. Mix mozzarella and Parmesan in a separate bowl. Cook garlic and red pepper flakes in oil, then add tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 2.Boil ziti in salted water until al dente. Save some pasta water, drain, and mix with the sauce.

Step 3.Layer half the pasta and sauce in a baking dish. Add dollops of ricotta mixture, then layer the rest of the pasta and sauce. Top with the mozzarella mixture.

Step 4.Bake at 400°F for 25-35 minutes until bubbly and browned. Let cool for 10 minutes, sprinkle with basil, and serve.

Recipe FAQs

Do I have to use ziti noodles for baked ziti?

I have used ziti or penne pasta and it has turned out great with either option. Penne pasta is easier to find. They are both tube-like in shape and that is what you want because cheese and sauce gets captured in them to make it so tasty.

How do I keep my baked ziti from being too dry?

This is a common mistake with other baked ziti recipes. Some recipes don’t call for an ample amount of sauce and the dish ends up being dry and bland. The secret is to be very generous with your sauce. Make it more saucy than you think and the results will be fabulous.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti up to a day in advance. Just cover it with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

What can I add for extra flavor?

You can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers to the sauce for additional flavor and texture. Sauté these ingredients before adding them to the tomato sauce.

Top view of a plate and baking dish of baked ziti with breadsticks on the side.

Expert Tips

Fresh basiladds aburst of flavor and aromathat dried herbs can’t match. Add it just before serving to retain its vibrant color and taste.
Slightly undercooking the pastaensures itwon’t become mushy during baking. It will continue to cook and absorb flavors in the oven.
Layering the pasta, sauce, and cheese mixturesensures every bite has a perfect balance of flavors and textures.Start with a layer of sauce to prevent sticking.
Allow the baked ziti to rest for about 10 minutesafter baking. Thishelps the casserole setand makes it easier to serve without falling apart.

A close up of a plate of a plate of baked ziti.

How to Serve and Store Baked Ziti

Any kind of bread is a classic side that complements the cheesy pasta and helps scoop up the delicious sauce such as mysourdough focaccia bread,cracked wheat braided bread, orFrench bread. A fresh, crisp salad such as myantipasto,beet, orberry spinach saladbalances the richness of the baked ziti. Oven-roasted veggies likecauliflower,carrots, orbrussels sproutsadd a healthy and flavorful side.

To store, allow the baked ziti to cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Baked ziti is a great candidate to make ahead and freeze for later. I like to take the baked ziti out of the freezer the night before to thaw so it will be ready to bake or reheat the next day. I’ve been known to make a double batch of baked ziti so that I can do the work once and enjoy my efforts for 2 meals or take the dish to a friend.