Baked Ziti

Whenever I need an easy dinner that everyone will happily eat, I come back to this Baked Ziti. It's one of those old fashioned comfort food recipes that comes together with simple ingredients but always feels special.

Every bite is loaded with tender pasta, creamy ricotta, rich marinara, and plenty of bubbly melted cheese. It's hearty enough for Sunday dinner but easy enough for a busy weeknight.

It reminds me of the baked pasta casseroles that always showed up at family gatherings and never left any leftovers.

What You Need to Know

• The pasta should be cooked just until al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Let the baked ziti rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so it slices and serves more easily.
• Assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.
• Browned ground beef, Italian sausage, or extra vegetables can easily be added for a heartier meal.

Ingredients Overview

• Ziti pasta: Traditional ziti works best, but penne or rigatoni make excellent substitutes if that's what you have on hand.
• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred marinara or homemade tomato sauce for even more flavor.
• Ricotta cheese: Whole milk ricotta creates the creamiest texture, while cottage cheese can be substituted for a higher-protein option.
• Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds the best flavor, but Romano cheese also works well.

How to Make Baked Ziti

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Cook the ziti in well-salted water until just al dente, then drain.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce and ricotta cheese, stirring until every piece of pasta is coated.

Step 3: Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.

Step 4: Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks.
• Pair with a Caesar salad or garden salad.
• Add roasted broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
• Finish with extra grated Parmesan at the table.

Grandma's Tips

• Slightly undercook the pasta so it stays perfectly tender after baking.
• Freshly grate the cheese for the smoothest, meltiest topping.

Modern Updates

• Add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein.
• Stir chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms into the sauce for more vegetables.

More Pasta Recipes

• Baked Mac and Cheese With Milk
• Southern Fried Chicken Drumsticks
• Grandma's American Goulash
• Grandmas Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
• The Best Old Fashioned Tuna Noodle Casserole

FAQs

What Is the Difference Between Baked Ziti and Lasagna?

Baked ziti uses tubular pasta mixed with sauce and cheese, while lasagna is layered with pasta sheets, cheese, and sauce. Both are classic baked Italian-American comfort foods.

Can I Make Baked Ziti Ahead of Time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.

Can I Freeze Baked Ziti?

Yes. Wrap the unbaked or baked casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.

Can I Substitute Cottage Cheese for Ricotta?

Yes. Cottage cheese is a popular substitute that creates a similar creamy texture while adding a little extra protein.