Baked Ziti with Ricotta: A Cozy Classic That Never Disappoints
Before we dive into this warm hug of a meal, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for being here, for your curiosity, and for loving food that comforts and connects us. It means so much to share these recipes with you—it’s like having you in my kitchen, chatting while the sauce simmers!
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Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Baked Ziti with Ricotta
This baked ziti is everything you want from a family favorite: rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, perfectly cooked pasta, and a gooey, golden topping of mozzarella. It's the epitome of Italian-American comfort food—bubbling out of the oven and making your kitchen smell like a little trattoria in Naples.
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! Whether you're cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish shows up like a star. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and incredibly easy to customize.
Taste in Every Bite
Expect a balance of zesty marinara, mellow ricotta, and that slightly crispy, cheesy top that’ll have everyone fighting for corner pieces. The textures play together beautifully—from the tender pasta to the creamy, cheesy middle layer and the golden crust on top. Anything but boring!!
Benefits of This Recipe
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🕒 Ready in under an hour
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🍽️ Feeds a family or makes amazing leftovers
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🧊 Freezer-friendly for future lazy days
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👶 Kid-approved!
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🍅 A great way to sneak in veggies
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this heartwarming baked ziti:
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1 lb ziti or rigatoni pasta
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2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or your favorite store-bought)
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1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 egg (optional, for extra structure in the ricotta layer)
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Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large pot for boiling pasta
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Strainer
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Mixing bowls
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9x13-inch baking dish
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Spoon or spatula
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Aluminum foil (for baking)
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
Make it your own! Here’s how:
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Add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or mushrooms for a heartier dish.
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Swap ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter version.
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Use gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.
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Toss in chopped spinach or zucchini for extra veggies.
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Want it spicy? Add red pepper flakes to the sauce!
How to Make Baked Ziti with Ricotta
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Cook the ziti in salted boiling water until just shy of al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Layer
In a bowl, mix ricotta, half the mozzarella, the egg (if using), Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble
Spread a thin layer of marinara in the bottom of your baking dish. Layer half the pasta, half the ricotta mixture, and more sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella.
Step 4: Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh basil and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
What to Serve with Baked Ziti
Pair it with:
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Garlic bread (obviously!)
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A crisp Caesar or arugula salad
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Roasted broccoli or green beans
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A bold red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel
Tips for Perfect Baked Ziti
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Don’t overcook the pasta—it’ll finish cooking in the oven.
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Let it rest before serving so it sets up beautifully.
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Bake uncovered at the end to get that irresistible cheesy crust.
Storage Instructions
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F, covered, for about 1 hour (uncover the last 15 minutes).
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it the day before, refrigerate, then bake when ready.
Can I use penne instead of ziti?
Yes! Any tubular pasta works great.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
Look for bubbling edges and golden cheese on top.
Conclusion
This baked ziti with ricotta is more than just dinner—it’s a cozy invitation to slow down and share a meal with the ones you love. It's comfort, simplicity, and joy in a dish. 🧡
Looking for more baked comfort food? Try my Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta or the crowd-favorite Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta!
Join the Fun!
Tried this recipe? I’d love to see your creations!
Leave a review below or tag me on Pinterest. Let's inspire each other with good food and warm hearts 💫
Nutritional Info (Per Serving - Approximate)
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Calories: 430
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Protein: 21g
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Carbs: 38g
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Fat: 22g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 6g