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Best Ever Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella in a white ceramic dish, topped with melted cheese and fresh basil

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

Samantha
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
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
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 9x13" 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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