Baked Ziti

Looking for an easy pasta dish? Get ready for gooey, cheesy, saucy goodness. This baked ziti is pure comfort. It’s creamy, melty, and loaded with flavor. And the best part? It’s so easy. Just boil, mix, layer, and bake. That’s it! No fancy steps. No complicated ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights. Great for meal prep, too. Or serve it up on family night. Everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Ziti

• Easy to make: Simple steps and basic ingredients make this recipe foolproof.
• Cheesy and comforting: Gooey mozzarella, creamy ricotta, and tangy sauce in every bite.
• Great for meal prep: Makes plenty and reheats beautifully for lunches or busy nights.
• Family favorite: Kid-approved and perfect for feeding a crowd.
• No special tools needed: Just a pot, a bowl, and a baking dish.
• Versatile: Ideal for weeknights, potlucks, or cozy Sunday dinners.

Baked Ziti

Swaggy Eats

This easy baked ziti is comfort food at its finest. Cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor using just a handful of classic ingredients.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course dinner

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 8

Calories 375 kcal

Equipment

• 9×13" baking dish

Ingredients

  

• 1 box ziti pasta (16 oz)
• 1 jar spaghetti sauce (24 oz)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

 

• Cook pasta: Boil ziti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
• Preheat oven: Set to 375°F
• Mix: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, spaghetti sauce, and ricotta cheese. Stir until well coated.
• Layer: In a 9×13" baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top. Add the remaining ziti mixture, then top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and sprinkle with Parmesan.
• Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Cool & serve: Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Nutritionals (Per Serving – estimate):
• Calories: 375
• Protein: 18g
• Carbs: 42g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 620mg

Keyword Baked Ziti, Easy Dinner, Pasta Recipes, Simple Recipe

Tips for Success

• Cook pasta al dente: It will finish cooking in the oven and stay perfectly tender.
• Use good sauce: A flavorful spaghetti sauce makes a big difference in taste.
• Mix while pasta is warm: Warm pasta helps the ricotta blend smoothly.
• Cover with foil first: Keeps moisture in and prevents the cheese from burning.
• Let it rest before serving: This helps everything set and makes it easier to slice.

Recipe Variations

• Add ground meat: Brown some ground beef, turkey, or sausage and mix it in.
• Use different cheese: Try cottage cheese instead of ricotta or add provolone for extra melt.
• Make it spicy: Stir in red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce.
• Add veggies: Mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free ziti pasta for a celiac-friendly version.

Check Out These Dinner Recipes:

• Crockpot Beef Stew: A hearty, slow-cooked stew packed with tender beef, potatoes, and veggies in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for cozy dinners!
• Ground Beef Tacos: Flavorful, seasoned ground beef tucked into warm tortillas and topped with fresh toppings for an easy and delicious meal.
• Lemon Chicken Pasta Salad: A refreshing, zesty pasta salad with juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy lemon dressing. Great for meal prep or picnics!
• Ground Chicken Chili: A lighter take on classic chili, featuring ground chicken, beans, and bold spices for a protein-packed, comforting dish.
• Taco Mac and Cheese: A cheesy, Tex-Mex twist on classic mac and cheese, loaded with taco-seasoned beef and plenty of melty goodness.
• Cucumber Tomato Pasta Salad: A crisp and refreshing pasta salad with juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a perfect side dish.