Baked Ziti is the ultimate Italian-American comfort food — a bubbling, cheesy casserole filled with tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted mozzarella. It’s like lasagna’s easier cousin: all the same flavors, but with less work! This dish is a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and cozy Sunday dinners, loved for its heartiness, simplicity, and pure deliciousness.

With layers of al dente ziti pasta, savory tomato sauce, and melted cheese, this dish brings together everything we adore about Italian cuisine — bold flavors, satisfying textures, and that irresistible aroma of baked cheese straight from the oven.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love Baked Ziti with Mozzarella and Marinara Sauce because it’s comfort food at its finest. The combination of tangy marinara, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella creates a harmony of textures — rich, bubbly, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It’s a dish that warms both the heart and soul.

Another reason I love it? It’s incredibly versatile. You can prepare it ahead of time, feed a crowd, or bake it for a simple weeknight dinner with leftovers that taste even better the next day.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You must try this dish because it’s:

Crowd-pleasing and hearty: Everyone loves it, from kids to adults.
Easy to prepare: Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and a big payoff.
Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for meal prep, gatherings, or holidays.
Versatile: Easily adaptable for vegetarians or meat-lovers.

It’s a must-have in every home cook’s recipe collection — timeless, delicious, and always satisfying.

Preparation and Cooking Details

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6–8
Calories: Approximately 580 kcal per serving

Cuisine and Course

Cuisine: Italian-American
Course: Main Course / Casserole

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

1 lb (450 g) ziti or penne pasta
Salt, for boiling water

For the Sauce and Filling:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups (32 oz) marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley

Simple Cooking Directions

Cook pasta until al dente.
Sauté onions and garlic, then add marinara sauce and seasonings.
Mix cooked pasta with sauce, ricotta, and half the mozzarella.
Transfer to baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake.
Serve hot with herbs and extra Parmesan.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add ziti and cook until al dente (about 2 minutes less than package directions).
Drain and toss lightly with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinara Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer for 5–10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Mixture

In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, half of the marinara sauce, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Mix until evenly coated and creamy.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add the pasta mixture on top.
Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the pasta.
Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Let the baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

How to Serve

Serve Baked Ziti hot and bubbling straight from the oven with:

Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls
A crisp green salad with Italian dressing
A glass of Chianti or Merlot for a perfect pairing

This dish is hearty enough to be a full meal, but it also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or antipasto platters.

Additional Recipe Tips

Undercook the pasta slightly: It continues to cook while baking.
Mix cheeses for depth: A combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan gives the perfect flavor balance.
Add protein: For a meaty version, mix cooked sausage or ground beef into the sauce.
Don’t skip the rest time: Letting it sit helps it set and slice neatly.

Recipe Variations

Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce: Add ½ lb of cooked Italian sausage or ground beef.
Vegetable Baked Ziti: Add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Four-Cheese Ziti: Combine mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, and provolone for an ultra-cheesy version.
Spicy Ziti: Add extra chili flakes or spicy sausage for a kick.
Creamy Alfredo Ziti: Mix half marinara and half Alfredo for a “pink sauce” twist.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing (Unbaked): Assemble, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 50–60 minutes.
Freezing (Baked): Cool completely, cover, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warm throughout.

Special Equipment Needed

Large pot (for boiling pasta)
Large skillet or saucepan (for sauce)
9×13-inch baking dish
Aluminum foil
Mixing bowls and spatula

FAQ

Q1: Can I use penne or rigatoni instead of ziti?
Yes! Any short tubular pasta works well — penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli.

Q2: Should I cover baked ziti while baking?
Yes, cover for the first 20 minutes to prevent drying out, then uncover to brown the cheese.

Q3: Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble up to a day in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Q4: Can I use jarred marinara sauce?
Yes, choose a high-quality sauce or add fresh garlic and herbs to elevate the flavor.

Q5: How do I make it creamier?
Stir ¼ cup of heavy cream or béchamel sauce into the pasta mixture before baking.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti with Mozzarella and Marinara Sauce is the definition of cozy Italian comfort food — cheesy, saucy, and deeply satisfying. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether for Sunday dinner or a special family gathering.

With its bubbling layers of cheese and rich tomato sauce, every bite is warm, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s simple to make, endlessly customizable, and a guaranteed hit at any table.