Creamy Dreamy Baked Ziti a Crowdpleasing Classic

Q: Is there a way to make this Baked Ziti with Ricotta a little healthier?

Of course! You can use part-skim ricotta cheese instead of whole milk ricotta, which will reduce the fat content. Also, consider using whole wheat ziti for added fiber. Loading it up with veggies is always a win, too. For the more health-conscious folks, you can replace some of the mozzarella with a lower-fat option. It's all about balance, innit?

Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella My GoTo Recipe

By Diego HartSeptember 5, 2025

4.48 (67 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Creamy Dreamy Baked Ziti : Get Ready to Feast!

Ever crave something so comforting it feels like a hug? My Creamy Dreamy Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella is just the ticket! It's a bubbling, cheesy, tomato sauce-smothered dream.

Trust me, you'll want seconds.

This Italian baked pasta dish hails from Southern Italy. It's a simple yet satisfying blend of pasta, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella.

This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a crowd. It serves about 8 hungry people!

Why You'll Love This Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

Honestly, what's not to love? This recipe is packed with flavor and requires minimal effort. It's also a great way to sneak in some extra calcium thanks to all that cheesy goodness.

Plus, it’s the perfect dish to bring to a potluck or serve on a cozy night in.

A Taste of Tradition: The Best Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is more than just a pasta dish. It's a taste of tradition. It's the kind of dish that families have been making for generations.

It’s the best comfort dishes for a potluck. The combination of textures and flavors is truly special.

Health Perks: More Than Just Comfort Food

Believe it or not, this Ricotta cheese pasta bake actually has some health benefits. It’s a good source of protein, thanks to the cheese.

Plus, tomatoes are packed with antioxidants. So, you can indulge guilt free!

Time to gather your ingredients. You'll need some olive oil, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, and of course, Ziti pasta . Don't forget the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese!

Time to Get Cooking: Ingredients and Equipment for Your Baked Ziti With Ricotta Masterpiece

Okay, before we dive headfirst into this Easy Baked Ziti Recipe , let’s make sure we have all the goodies we need. This Classic Italian Casserole isn't complicated. You got this!

Main Ingredients for Baked Ziti With Ricotta and Mozzarella Heaven

Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ). Think nice quality here. The flavor matters!
Yellow Onion: 1 medium, chopped (about 1 cup/150g ).
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (about 2 teaspoons/10g ). Fresh is always best, trust me.
Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can ( 794g ). Good quality crushed tomatoes really elevate the sauce.
Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can ( 425g ). A smooth tomato sauce helps bind everything together.
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ).
Dried Basil: ½ teaspoon ( 2.5ml ).
Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon ( 1.25ml ), optional. Add if you like a little kick.
Sugar: ½ teaspoon ( 2.5ml ). Just a touch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Ziti Pasta: 1 pound ( 454g ). This is a Ziti Pasta bake after all!. Al dente is the way to go!
Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces ( 425g ), whole milk or part skim.
Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten. This binds the ricotta beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup grated (about 25g ).
Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups shredded (about 225g ), divided. Use good quality low moisture mozzarella cheese, You will not regret it.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste.

Honestly, the quality of your Ricotta Cheese really shines through in this dish. Splurge a little. I once used a super cheap one and it tasted…well, cheap. Lesson learned!.

Seasoning Notes: Making Magic Happen

The oregano and basil combo is essential. They scream "Italian grandmother's kitchen!" But don't be afraid to add a pinch of garlic powder to the sauce.

Adds a lovely touch. No fresh basil on hand? Use 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil. Easy peasy. This is truly one of the Best Baked Ziti recipes.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Large pot: For boiling the Ziti Pasta .
Large skillet or saucepan: For the sauce. A deep one helps prevent splatters.
9x13 inch baking dish: A must have for Italian Baked Pasta perfection.
Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
Colander: For draining the pasta.

Don’t have a 9x13 inch dish? Two smaller ones work just fine! You can even use a disposable foil pan if you're feeling lazy (no judgement!).

This Baked Ziti is all about Comfort Dishes , and it's all about making it work for you.

Creamy Dreamy Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella Cheese: A Crowd Pleasing Classic

You know those nights where you just crave something totally comforting? Honestly, Baked Ziti is my go-to. It’s a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece.

It's smothered in tomato sauce. Plus, who can resist a pasta bake, really?

I got this recipe from a mate's Nonna, so you know it's legit. It combines Ziti Pasta with creamy Ricotta Cheese Pasta Bake and stretchy mozzarella.

You know? It's Italian baked pasta heaven. Let’s get into it, shall we? It's the Best Baked Ziti recipe out there!

Prep Like a Pro!

Essential mise en place is key . Chop your onion. Mince that garlic. Grate your cheeses. Having everything ready saves loads of time.

Time saving organization tips ? I'm all about 'em. Get those ingredients measured out beforehand! It will make cooking a breeze.

step-by-step to Ziti Nirvana

Alright, here's the drill for this Easy baked ziti recipe :

Cook 1 pound of ziti pasta to al dente . Drain well.
Sauté 1 chopped onion in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until fragrant.
Stir in a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, a 15-ounce can of tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon of oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of basil, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using), 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15- 20 minutes .
Mix 15 ounces of ricotta, 1 lightly beaten egg, 1/4 cup of Parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Combine cooked ziti with half the sauce.
Layer in a 9x13 inch baking dish: sauce, half of the ziti, half of the ricotta, half of 2 cups of mozzarella. Repeat.
Bake covered at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20 minutes .
Uncover. Bake for 15- 20 minutes more. The cheese should be bubbly and lightly browned. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Ziti Tips!

Don't overcook the pasta ! This is crucial . Soggy ziti is no bueno!
Good quality cheese makes the dish. Splurge a little!
If you want to make it in advance, assemble the Classic Italian casserole and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Then, bake as directed.

Honestly, this Baked Ziti With Ricotta and mozzarella recipe is a winner. Plus, it's a real crowd pleaser, perfect for parties.

Don't be scared to get stuck in and have some fun with it, ok?. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Baked Ziti With Ricotta

So, you're ready to make some amazing Baked Ziti with Ricotta ? Awesome! Before you dive in, let's chat about some important stuff.

These tips will help you nail this Italian baked pasta dish every single time. Honestly, they're game changers.

Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key!

Okay, first things first: plating. This classic Italian casserole deserves to look as good as it tastes! A dollop of extra ricotta on top after baking? Yes, please! Chopped fresh basil? Always.

Want to go the extra mile? Toast some garlic bread for serving. Seriously, Baked Ziti and garlic bread are a match made in heaven.

A simple Caesar salad also works, adding a fresh bite. And of course, what's Ricotta cheese pasta bake without a nice glass of Chianti?

Storage Tips: Keeping the Comfort Dishes Alive

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let it cool down. Then, pop the Baked Ziti With Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe in an airtight container.

It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.

To reheat, just microwave it until it is piping hot. If reheating from frozen, you may need to add a splash of water or sauce to keep it from drying out.

Never leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours .

Variations: Make it Your Own!

Want to tweak this easy baked ziti recipe ? Go for it! Make it vegetarian, adding some mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

If you are gluten-free, use gluten-free Ziti Pasta . For a bit more kick, a dash of red pepper flakes is the way.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

Alright, let’s be real. This Best baked ziti is comfort food, not health food! Each serving is approximately 450 calories.

It gives you about 25g of protein, 20g of fat, and 45g of carbs. This breakdown makes it a seriously satisfying meal.

Cooking should be fun, not stressful. So, relax, follow the recipe, and don't be afraid to make it your own. You’ve got this! Enjoy your homemade Creamy Dreamy Baked Ziti !

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella ahead of time? I'm planning a dinner party, you see.

Absolutely! That's one of the beauties of this dish. You can assemble the entire Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time, making sure it's heated through properly.

Think of it as your secret weapon for stress free entertaining.

My Baked Ziti always seems a bit watery. What am I doing wrong?

Ah, the dreaded watery Ziti! This usually happens if the ricotta cheese is too wet or if the pasta isn't drained well enough. Make sure to drain your cooked ziti thoroughly. You can also place the ricotta in a cheesecloth lined sieve for about 30 minutes to drain off excess liquid before mixing it with the other ingredients.

It's like giving your ricotta a little spa treatment!

I'm vegetarian, can I add vegetables to this Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella?

Definitely! Adding vegetables is a fantastic way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of your Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella. Sauté vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach and add them to the sauce before layering the ziti.

Roasting the vegetables beforehand can also enhance their flavor and prevent them from making the dish watery.

How long does leftover Baked Ziti last, and what's the best way to reheat it?

Leftover baked ziti is delicious the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions, but for best results, reheat in the oven. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.

A little sprinkle of extra mozzarella before reheating never hurt anyone!

Can I freeze Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella! Assemble the ziti in a freezer safe dish, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

Is there a way to make this Baked Ziti with Ricotta a little healthier?

Of course! You can use part skim ricotta cheese instead of whole milk ricotta, which will reduce the fat content. Also, consider using whole wheat ziti for added fiber. Loading it up with veggies is always a win, too. For the more health conscious folks, you can replace some of the mozzarella with a lower fat option.

It's all about balance, innit?