Baked Ziti Pasta with Mozzarella and Marinara

Baked Ziti Pasta with Mozzarella and Marinara is the ultimate Italian-American comfort food — a warm, cheesy, and hearty baked pasta dish that brings family and friends together around the table.

Layers of tender ziti pasta are coated in rich marinara sauce, mixed with creamy ricotta, and topped with gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan. The result is a golden, bubbling, and flavorful casserole that’s satisfying, cozy, and irresistibly delicious.

It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for any occasion — from Sunday dinners and potlucks to casual weeknights when you want something hearty and heartwarming.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this baked ziti recipe because it’s pure comfort on a plate. The combination of marinara sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta creates layers of flavor and texture that are both nostalgic and deeply satisfying.

The bubbling mozzarella on top gives that perfect stretchy cheese pull, while the tomato sauce adds brightness and tang that balance the richness.

It’s also incredibly versatile — you can make it vegetarian, add meat, or even toss in extra vegetables. Plus, it’s make-ahead friendly, which makes it perfect for busy schedules or feeding a crowd.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Baked Ziti Pasta is a must-try because it takes simple, everyday ingredients and transforms them into something spectacular.

It’s hearty enough for a main course, yet elegant enough for a dinner party.
It captures everything we love about Italian comfort food: warmth, flavor, and a sense of togetherness. And best of all, it’s easy to make, with no complicated steps — just wholesome ingredients and a little oven magic.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: ~480 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 400 g (14 oz) ziti pasta (or penne)
• Salt, for boiling water

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 800 g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 egg (optional, helps bind the mixture)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For Topping:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Boil pasta until al dente.
2. Prepare the marinara sauce.
3. Mix pasta with sauce and ricotta mixture.
4. Layer in a baking dish with mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Bake until bubbly and golden.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add ziti pasta and cook until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions).
3. Drain and toss lightly with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Marinara Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
5. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

(Shortcut: You can use a good-quality store-bought marinara sauce to save time.)

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, and parsley.
2. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
2. Fold in the ricotta mixture, leaving some swirls for texture.

Step 5: Assemble the Baked Ziti

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a large 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the dish.
4. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
5. Add the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheeses.

Step 6: Bake

1. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
3. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve Baked Ziti Pasta hot, straight from the oven. Pair it with:

• Garlic bread or buttery breadsticks
• Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
• A glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot

For family gatherings, place the casserole dish in the center of the table and let everyone serve themselves — just like in an Italian home.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the pasta — it continues to cook in the oven.
• For extra creaminess, stir a splash of heavy cream into the sauce before mixing.
• Always let the ziti rest after baking so it sets and holds shape when served.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a subtle kick.

Variations

• Meaty Baked Ziti: Add ½ pound cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the marinara sauce.
• Vegetable Baked Ziti: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted zucchini.
• Three-Cheese Ziti: Use ricotta, mozzarella, and provolone for a richer flavor.
• White Baked Ziti: Swap marinara with Alfredo or a garlic cream sauce for a creamy version.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked (or unbaked) ziti for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap.
• Reheating: Bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until hot (20–25 minutes) or microwave individual portions.

Special Equipment Needed

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

FAQ

Q1: Can I use penne instead of ziti?
Yes! Penne or rigatoni are perfect substitutes if ziti isn’t available.

Q2: Do I need to cook the pasta fully before baking?
No, slightly undercook it since it will finish cooking in the oven.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q4: How can I make it lighter?
Use part-skim ricotta, low-fat mozzarella, and whole-wheat pasta.

Q5: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes — simply use gluten-free ziti or penne pasta and check your sauce ingredients.

Conclusion

Baked Ziti Pasta with Mozzarella and Marinara is everything you want in a comfort meal — cheesy, saucy, and utterly heartwarming. Each forkful delivers a perfect blend of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheese.

It’s the kind of dish that reminds you why homemade food is always worth it — simple ingredients, baked together with love, creating something truly delicious. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, potluck, or special family occasion, this baked ziti will always steal the show.