Baked Ziti with Ricotta

I made baked ziti with ricotta for the first time when I was hosting a casual dinner for friends because I wanted something hearty that wouldn’t keep me in the kitchen all night so I tossed together some pasta with sauce and cheese and slid it into the oven. And by the time the cheesy top turned golden and bubbly the whole house smelled like an Italian trattoria and I knew this was a dish worth repeating.

It’s become my ultimate crowd-pleaser because it’s simple to make but packed with comfort and it feeds a group without breaking a sweat and the creamy pockets of ricotta nestled between the pasta make every bite feel special and totally satisfying.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Ziti pasta – A sturdy tube-shaped pasta that holds the sauce beautifully.
• Marinara sauce – The base of the dish adding rich tomato flavor and moisture.
• Ricotta cheese – Creamy and mild it creates luscious layers throughout.
• Mozzarella cheese – Melts perfectly for that golden stretchy topping.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds sharpness and a little salty bite to balance the richness.
• Egg – Helps bind the ricotta mixture so it stays creamy and smooth.
• Garlic – Infuses the dish with a subtle warmth.
• Italian seasoning – Brings together herbs like oregano and basil for classic flavor.
• Salt and pepper – Season everything to taste and bring out the full flavor of the ingredients.
• Olive oil – Used for cooking garlic or greasing the dish.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot – To boil the ziti until perfectly al dente.
• Colander – For draining the pasta after boiling.
• Mixing bowls – To stir together the ricotta mixture and combine everything before baking.
• Baking dish – Where all the magic happens as the pasta bakes into cheesy perfection.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – Helps mix and layer the ingredients smoothly.
• Aluminum foil – Useful for covering the dish to prevent over-browning during baking.
• Oven mitts – Essential when pulling the bubbling hot dish from the oven.

Instructions

Step 1:

I preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil so nothing sticks.

Step 2:

In a large pot I cook the ziti in salted water until just al dente then I drain it and set it aside.

Step 3:

In a bowl I mix the ricotta cheese with the egg garlic Italian seasoning salt pepper and half of the Parmesan cheese until it’s smooth and creamy.

Step 4:

I stir about two-thirds of the marinara sauce into the cooked ziti to coat it evenly then I set aside the remaining sauce for layering.

Step 5:

To assemble I spread a thin layer of the reserved marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish then I add half of the ziti followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture.

Step 6:

Next I sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan over the ricotta and repeat the layers with the rest of the pasta sauce ricotta and cheese.

Step 7:

I cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes then I uncover and bake another 10 to 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 8:

Once it’s out of the oven I let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing so the layers hold together beautifully.

Tips

If I’m short on time I use store-bought marinara but I also like making a quick homemade version with crushed tomatoes garlic and herbs. You can swap ziti for penne or rigatoni and for a meaty twist I sometimes add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the sauce. A sprinkle of fresh basil on top after baking adds a bright finish too.

Ways to Serve

Baked ziti with ricotta is hearty enough to stand alone but I often serve it with garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables for balance. It’s also amazing as leftovers and perfect for meal prep because it reheats beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Baked Ziti with Ricotta ahead of time?

Yes you can assemble it a day in advance and keep it in the fridge then just bake when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze Baked Ziti with Ricotta?

Absolutely just wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months then bake from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta in Baked Ziti?

Yes cottage cheese can be used as a substitute though it has a different texture and slightly tangier flavor.

What’s the best pasta for Baked Ziti?

Ziti is traditional but penne rigatoni or even elbow macaroni can work well in a pinch.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this baked ziti with ricotta a try because it’s one of those recipes that brings everyone to the table with big smiles and full plates. Let me know how yours turns out or share your favorite twist I’m always excited to hear from you!

Happy Cooking!

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