Best Ever Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella (Easy & Cheesy)

Looking for a hearty, cheesy baked pasta dish that’s easy to make and even easier to love? This Baked Ziti with Ricotta is the ultimate comfort food dinner. With layers of tender ziti pasta, creamy ricotta, savory marinara, and gooey mozzarella, this creamy baked ziti brings bold flavor and cozy vibes to your dinner table.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping a meal for a chilly night, or freezing something for later, this baked ziti casserole is a go-to that never disappoints. You don’t need fancy ingredients or culinary training—just simple pantry staples, a casserole dish, and your favorite cheese blend. Plus, it’s easy to customize to your taste and dietary preferences, whether you want a vegetarian baked pasta or a meatier version packed with sausage or beef.

If you’re looking for a satisfying, freezer-friendly baked pasta dish that delivers on flavor and ease, this baked ziti with ricotta and mozzarella will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

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Best Ever Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella (Easy & Cheesy)

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Sam

This Baked Ziti with Ricotta is a cheesy, crowd-pleasing casserole layered with marinara, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and tender pasta. It’s easy to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner. A true Italian-American comfort food classic!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian-American Fusion

Servings 8 servings

Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb Ziti pasta (or penne)
• 1 15 oz Container ricotta cheese
• 2 cups Marinara sauce
• 1 ½ cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 Egg (for creamier ricotta texture)
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

 

• Cook the Pasta:

  Boil ziti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Make the Ricotta Mixture:

  In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
• Combine with Sauce:

  Stir cooked pasta with marinara sauce, reserving 1/2 cup of sauce for layering.
• Layer the Casserole:

  In a 9×13" baking dish, spread half the pasta mixture. Dollop ricotta mixture evenly, then sprinkle half the mozzarella. Repeat the layer. Pour reserved sauce on top and finish with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Bake:

  Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbling.
• Rest and Serve:

  Let rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

Secret Tips for the Best Ever Baked Ziti

1. Layer Like Lasagna: Don’t just toss everything together. Layer your ziti like you would a lasagna—sauce, pasta, cheese, repeat. It keeps the ricotta creamy and the mozzarella melty in all the right places.

2. Season the Ricotta: Mix your ricotta with a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a little grated Parmesan before layering. It gives the cheese more depth and flavor throughout the bake.

3. Al Dente is Key: Cook your pasta 2 minutes under the package instructions. It will continue to cook in the oven, and this helps prevent mushy noodles.

4. Use a Mix of Mozzarella: Combine low-moisture shredded mozzarella with a few torn slices of fresh mozzarella. The shredded cheese melts evenly, and the fresh adds gooey, cheesy pockets.

5. Let It Rest: After baking, let your ziti sit for at least 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and keeps it from falling apart when sliced.

6. Add a Meat Layer (Optional): Want to make it heartier? Add a seasoned ground beef or Italian sausage layer beneath the cheese—just like a baked pasta version of meat lasagna.

7. Finish Under the Broiler: Pop the casserole under the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes of baking for a bubbly, golden top with irresistibly crispy cheese edges.

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RECIPE OVERVIEW

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Servings: 6–8
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: ~50 minutes

Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~420
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

Budget Breakdown

• Ziti pasta: ~$1.50
• Ricotta cheese: ~$2.50
• Marinara sauce: ~$2.00
• Mozzarella cheese: ~$2.50
• Parmesan cheese + seasonings: ~$2.00
• Total Cost: ~$10.50
• Cost per Serving: ~$1.31

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti with Ricotta

• Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor
• Perfect for make-ahead meals and freezer-friendly dinners
• Customizable with meats or veggies
• Loved by kids and adults alike
• Affordable ingredients and easy to prep

Perfect For:

• Cozy family dinners
• Potluck parties
• Weekend meal prep
• Freezer-friendly baked pasta dishes
• New cooks looking for a no-fail recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ziti pasta (or penne)
• 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg (for creamier ricotta texture)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Ziti Pasta: Short, tubular pasta holds sauce and cheese perfectly.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds rich, creamy texture without overpowering the dish.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides tangy tomato flavor; choose a no-sugar-added version for health-conscious eating.
• Mozzarella & Parmesan: Delivers gooey and salty contrast in each bite.
• Egg: Helps bind the ricotta for better structure.

Behind the Recipe

This baked ziti with ricotta and mozzarella draws inspiration from classic Italian-American comfort food traditions. I grew up eating variations of this dish at Sunday dinners, and it always felt like a celebration. It’s easy enough for weeknights but feels festive enough for holidays.

I love how the ricotta makes the dish creamy without being too heavy, and baking it with mozzarella on top creates a crispy-cheesy golden layer everyone fights over. Whether you stick to the basics or throw in your own twist—like sausage or spinach—it never disappoints.

How to Make Baked Ziti with Ricotta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil ziti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Ricotta Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Combine with Sauce

Stir cooked pasta with marinara sauce, reserving 1/2 cup of sauce for layering.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

In a 9×13″ baking dish, spread half the pasta mixture. Dollop ricotta mixture evenly, then sprinkle half the mozzarella. Repeat the layer. Pour reserved sauce on top and finish with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbling.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook pasta before baking—it will soften more in the oven.
• Use whole-milk ricotta for best texture.
• Add sausage or ground beef to the marinara for a meatier version.
• Mix in spinach or zucchini for a veggie twist.
• Double the recipe and freeze half for later.

Easy Variations

• Meat Lovers: Stir in browned Italian sausage or ground beef.
• Vegetarian: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers.
• Low-Carb: Substitute ziti with cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.
• Extra Creamy: Mix a little cream cheese into the ricotta.

Storage & Serving Suggestions

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven or microwave until heated through.
• Serve With: Garlic bread, green salad, or roasted vegetables.

🍽️ Make It a Meal 🍜

Pair this Baked Ziti with Ricotta with:

• Toasted garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• Caesar salad or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans
• A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lime

This creamy baked ziti makes a beautiful centerpiece for casual dinners, family gatherings, or Sunday spreads. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

This Baked Ziti with Ricotta is more than a simple casserole—it’s a timeless, comfort-packed meal that’s as easy to love as it is to prepare. With just a handful of pantry staples and some oven time, you’ll have a cheesy, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Whether you’re serving it for Sunday dinner, a neighborhood potluck, or making it ahead to freeze for a rainy day, this ricotta pasta bake never disappoints. Its balance of creamy ricotta, tangy marinara, and gooey mozzarella hits all the right notes. Even better, you can tweak it to fit your preferences—vegetarian, meat-lovers, or low-carb.

So next time you need a hearty, hassle-free dinner idea, remember this baked ziti with ricotta—it’s easy to make, hard to mess up, and even harder to resist.

Looking for more cozy pasta ideas? Try our Chicken Parmesan Casserole, Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers, or One-Pan Garlic Chicken and Veggies for easy, family-approved meals.

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📌 Pin This Recipe: Baked Ziti with Ricotta This creamy, cheesy baked ziti with ricotta is the ultimate easy comfort food. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals!