Baked Ziti Pasta: A Comforting Classic Italian-American Dish
A bubbling tray of baked ziti pasta is the ultimate comfort food, loved for its layers of pasta, savory sauce, melted cheese, and golden-baked top. This dish is hearty enough to serve a crowd, yet simple enough to make for a cozy family dinner. Unlike stovetop pasta, baked ziti comes alive in the oven—absorbing flavors, developing that perfect cheesy crust, and filling the kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Many families cherish baked ziti as a staple during gatherings, potlucks, and holidays. Its beauty lies not only in its flavor but also in its flexibility. You can keep it traditional with marinara and mozzarella, or elevate it with meat sauce, ricotta layers, and fresh herbs. It’s the kind of dish that invites creativity while remaining reliably delicious.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a breakdown of ingredients with approximate calorie counts:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Ziti pasta | 12 oz (about 6 cups cooked) | 660 |
| Marinara sauce | 4 cups | 360 |
| Ground beef or Italian sausage | 1 lb | 770 |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 cup | 430 |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 2 cups | 640 |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ½ cup | 220 |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | 120 |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves | 15 |
| Fresh basil or parsley | ¼ cup | 5 |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | 0 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Cook the pasta – Bring salted water to a boil and cook ziti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce – In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef or sausage, cook until browned, then stir in marinara sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Preheat the oven – Set to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer the ziti – In a greased baking dish, start with a layer of sauce, then pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, and repeat until ingredients are used. Finish with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake – Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest & serve – Let the baked ziti sit for 5 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Go meatless: Skip the beef or sausage for a vegetarian version and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Healthier swaps: Use whole wheat pasta, part-skim ricotta, or reduced-fat mozzarella.
- Extra creamy: Add a layer of béchamel sauce or mix heavy cream into the ricotta for richness.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle chili flakes or add spicy Italian sausage for a bold kick.
- Make ahead: Assemble the dish a day before, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 560 |
| Protein | 29g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 7g |
| Sodium | 640mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Family-style dinner: Serve baked ziti alongside garlic bread and a fresh green salad.
- Party platter: Slice into squares for easy serving at potlucks or gatherings.
- Wine pairing: A glass of Chianti, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon complements the rich flavors beautifully.
- Lighter option: Pair with roasted vegetables or a caprese salad for a balanced meal.
Baked Ziti Pasta: A Comforting Classic Italian-American Dish
8
servings20
minutes35
minutes300
kcalIngredients
12 oz ziti pasta (about 6 cups cooked)
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
4 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic. Add ground beef/sausage and cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer 10 minutes.
- In a greased baking dish, spread a layer of sauce, then add pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, and repeat.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Cook pasta just until al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
For extra creaminess, mix ricotta with 1 beaten egg and a little Parmesan before layering.
If baking straight from the fridge, add 10–15 minutes to the cook time.
FAQs
1: Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble baked ziti up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10–15 minutes of baking time.
2: Can baked ziti be frozen?
Absolutely. You can freeze baked ziti before or after baking. For best results, assemble the dish without baking, wrap well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
3: What’s the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?
Both are layered pasta dishes with sauce and cheese, but lasagna uses flat noodles, while baked ziti uses tubular pasta. Baked ziti is usually simpler and quicker to assemble.
4: What pasta can I use if I don’t have ziti?
Penne, rigatoni, or any short tubular pasta works well because they hold the sauce and cheese beautifully.
5: How do I keep baked ziti from drying out?
Use enough sauce to coat the pasta generously, and cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking. Remove foil near the end to allow the top to get golden and bubbly.
Conclusion
A warm dish of baked ziti pasta brings people together with its rich flavors, comforting textures, and endless customization possibilities. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner, a festive celebration, or meal prep for busy days, this Italian-American classic never disappoints. From gooey mozzarella to savory sauce and perfectly baked pasta, every bite is a reminder of why baked ziti has earned its place at the heart of comfort cooking.
