Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Marinara Sauce: A Classic Comfort Food

1. Introduction – A Classic Comfort Dish

Baked ziti with ricotta and marinara sauce is a delicious, cheesy, and hearty Italian-American pasta dish that’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. This dish features tender ziti pasta, creamy ricotta cheese, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a baked pasta dish that’s cheesy, saucy, and satisfying, this baked ziti recipe will become a go-to favorite!

Craving a warm, cheesy, and comforting pasta dish? Baked ziti with ricotta and marinara sauce is a classic Italian-American favorite, featuring tender pasta, creamy ricotta, rich marinara, and lots of melted cheese. It’s the perfect dish for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make baked ziti step by step, including layering techniques, cheese combinations, and baking tips for a perfectly gooey, flavorful dish. Whether you’re making it vegetarian or adding meat, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

2. Essential Ingredients for Baked Ziti

1. Pasta (The Base of the Dish)

✔ 1 lb ziti pasta (or penne as an alternative)
✔ Salt (for boiling water)

2. Ricotta Cheese Mixture (For a Creamy Layer)

✔ 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
✔ 1 egg (to bind the mixture)
✔ ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
✔ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
✔ ½ teaspoon salt
✔ ¼ teaspoon black pepper

3. Marinara Sauce (The Heart of the Dish)

✔ 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
✔ ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
✔ 1 teaspoon dried basil or oregano (for extra flavor)

4. Cheese Toppings (For the Ultimate Melted Goodness)

✔ 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
✔ ½ cup extra grated Parmesan cheese

5. Garnishes & Extras

✔ Fresh basil or parsley (for serving)
✔ Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

3. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Baked Ziti

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente (according to package instructions).
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Baked Ziti

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the cooked ziti with marinara sauce until coated.
3. Spread half of the sauced ziti into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and spread gently.
5. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the ricotta layer.
6. Add the remaining ziti and sauce on top.
7. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and extra Parmesan.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

1. Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and red pepper flakes (if desired).
3. Serve warm and enjoy with garlic bread or a fresh salad!

4. Best Variations of Baked Ziti

1. Meat Lover’s Baked Ziti

✔ Add 1 lb cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the marinara sauce.

2. Vegetarian Baked Ziti

✔ Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra veggies.

3. Spicy Arrabbiata Baked Ziti

✔ Use spicy Arrabbiata sauce instead of marinara for a fiery kick.

4. Three-Cheese Baked Ziti

✔ Mix ricotta, mozzarella, and provolone for extra cheesiness.

5. Tips & Tricks for the Best Baked Ziti

✅ Use Al Dente Pasta

✔ Slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t become mushy in the oven.

✅ Layer the Cheese for Extra Creaminess

✔ Ricotta in the middle layer makes the dish rich and creamy.

✅ Use a High-Quality Marinara Sauce

✔ Homemade or high-quality jarred sauce makes a big difference.

✅ Let the Ziti Rest Before Serving

✔ This allows the layers to set and absorb more flavor.

✅ Pair with the Perfect Side Dish

✔ Serve with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion – Enjoy Your Cheesy, Comforting Baked Ziti!

This baked ziti with ricotta and marinara sauce is rich, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving guests, this dish is sure to impress.

Now, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy a delicious homemade Italian favorite!

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FAQs

1. Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

✔ Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

✔ Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
✔ Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

3. Can I freeze baked ziti?

✔ Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

4. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

✔ Yes! Cottage cheese is a lighter substitute and adds extra protein.

5. How do I prevent my baked ziti from drying out?

✔ Cover with foil while baking and don’t overbake.

6. What’s the best cheese for baked ziti?

✔ Mozzarella for meltiness, ricotta for creaminess, and Parmesan for sharpness.

7. Can I add spinach to baked ziti?

✔ Yes! Add chopped fresh spinach to the ricotta mixture for extra nutrition.

8. Can I use gluten-free pasta?

✔ Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free ziti or penne.

9. How do I make baked ziti extra crispy on top?

✔ Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

10. Can I make a dairy-free baked ziti?

✔ Yes! Use dairy-free ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan alternatives.