Dinner

Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

ByThomas Greene January 15, 2026January 15, 2026

Introduction

This easy baked ziti is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Layers of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and creamy cheeses come together in a simple bake that’s sure to satisfy the whole family.

A white rectangular baking dish holds a layered baked pasta dish with three main layers: the bottom layer is red tomato sauce mixed with ground meat and pasta, the middle layer contains melted cheese strands pulling away as a piece is being lifted, and the top layer is a golden-browned cheese crust sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. The edges of the dish show some sauce stains, and a woman's hand is seen lifting a cheesy, saucy slice showing the stretchy texture of the cheese. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 medium yellow onion
3 cloves garlic
1 1/2 ounces Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup grated), divided
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
5 cups marinara sauce (about 46 ounces)
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more for seasoning
Freshly ground black pepper
1 pound dried ziti or penne pasta
1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
8 ounces shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups), divided

Instructions

Step 1: Finely chop the onion and garlic. Grate the Parmesan cheese and set aside.
Step 2: Preheat the oven to 375°F and bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 3: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with kosher salt and black pepper, then cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 12 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the marinara sauce and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat.
Step 5: Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente.
Step 6: While pasta cooks, combine ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt in a small bowl and mix well.
Step 7: Drain pasta and return it to the empty pot. Add half of the sauce and stir to coat the pasta evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently fold in the ricotta mixture, leaving some pockets of ricotta throughout.
Step 8: Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish in an even layer. Sprinkle evenly with 1 cup shredded mozzarella.
Step 9: Add the remaining pasta mixture on top in an even layer. Pour the remaining sauce over the top and spread evenly. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 10: Bake uncovered until edges bubble and cheese is melted and browned in spots, about 30 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add cooked Italian sausage or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce before assembling.
Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture but adjust baking time slightly to prevent excess moisture.
Swap ziti for penne or rigatoni if preferred; just be sure to cook pasta al dente.

Storage

Store leftover baked ziti covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve the cheese’s texture, or microwave individual portions for convenience.

How to Serve

A white rectangular baking dish filled with baked pasta, showing multiple layers: the bottom layer is rigatoni pasta mixed with red tomato sauce, the middle layer is melted cheese that is golden brown and bubbly with some darker browned spots, and the top layer is sprinkled with fresh chopped green parsley. The pasta has a slightly textured look from the sauce and cheese. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with parts of a towel showing colorful green and yellow patterns near the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate it covered. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese drained of excess moisture or use a blend of cream cheese and sour cream for a different creamy texture.