Hey y'all! If you're craving pure, cheesy comfort, my Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Mozzarella is a winner every time. This crowd-pleasing pasta bake is loaded with layers of creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and zesty marinara sauce—each bite melts in your mouth. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, potlucks, or anytime you want a warm, hearty meal, this recipe is always a hit. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Mozzarella
- Cheesy, creamy, and downright delicious—everyone will ask for seconds.
- Easy to assemble and feeds a crowd, making it perfect for gatherings.
- Customizable with your favorite proteins or veggies.
- Makes awesome leftovers—flavor improves overnight.
- Can be made ahead for stress-free dinners.
Ingredients for Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Mozzarella
- 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 jar (24oz/680g) marinara sauce (or homemade, see here)
- 1 can (15oz/425g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups (340g) whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup (90g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Directions: How to Make Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Mozzarella
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti according to package instructions until barely al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 6 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Pour in marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes. Stir in basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Layer
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, egg, and chopped parsley. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add half the cooked ziti.
- Dollop half the ricotta mixture over pasta and gently spread.
- Top with half the remaining meat sauce; sprinkle with half the reserved mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Repeat with remaining ziti, ricotta, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan, finishing with cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15-20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let baked ziti with ricotta & mozzarella rest for 10 minutes before serving—garnish with extra parsley.
Notes for the Best Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Mozzarella
- Use good-quality jarred marinara (or try making homemade) for richer flavor.
- Shred your own mozzarella for gooier melt and better texture.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the sausage or substitute with sautéed mushrooms (see more ideas).
Variations on Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Mozzarella
- Vegetarian: Omit sausage and add roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Extra Cheesy: Stir in ½ cup provolone or fontina with the mozzarella.
- Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and double the red pepper flakes for a kick.
Required Equipment for Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Mozzarella
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Mixing bowls
- 9x13-inch casserole or baking dish
- Foil
- Wooden spoon
Storage Instructions for Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Mozzarella
Let leftovers cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, adding extra sauce if needed to prevent drying out.
Suggested Pairings for Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Mozzarella
- Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette.
- Pair with crusty garlic bread or focaccia for dipping.
- Enjoy with a glass of robust red wine like Chianti or a sparkling Italian soda!
Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Mozzarella
- Don’t overcook your pasta—slightly undercooked ziti absorbs sauce and holds up perfectly when baked (learn more here).
- Let the casserole rest after baking for neater, creamier slices.
- Balance flavors with a little extra Parmesan or fresh herbs just before serving.
FAQ: Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Mozzarella
- Can I assemble baked ziti ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking—add 5-10 minutes to bake time if cold.
- Can I use different types of pasta?
- You sure can—penne, rigatoni, or even rotini all work well in place of ziti.
- How do I keep baked ziti from drying out?
- Cover with foil for most of the bake and use plenty of sauce; if reheating, add a splash of marinara or water and cover with foil.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Serves: 8
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
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2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti pasta until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain well.
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3In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, basil, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
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4Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the remaining mozzarella and some Parmesan. Repeat layers with the rest of the pasta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
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5Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
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6Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra basil if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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