Baked Ziti With Ricotta

Name: Baked Ziti With Ricotta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ziti pasta; 2 cups marinara sauce; 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 egg; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Oven Ideas

I absolutely love making Baked Ziti With Ricotta, especially when I want a comforting meal that can feed a crowd. The layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta just bring everything together in a satisfying dish that warms the heart. When I bake it, the cheese gets beautifully melty and bubbly on top, with a delightful crust that keeps me coming back for more. Each bite is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that remind me of family gatherings and cozy nights in.

Created by

Frederica Houghton

Last updated on 2026-02-08T06:05:37.214Z

When I first attempted making Baked Ziti With Ricotta, I was amazed at how simple yet tasty it turned out to be. I chose a high-quality marinara sauce and mixed it with my homemade ricotta for a richer flavor. This combination elevated the dish, making it a family favorite. The process became a fun activity to do with my kids, who loved layering the pasta and sauce!

One key tip I've learned is to let the baked ziti rest for about 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This allows the layers to set nicely, making it easier to serve and enjoy. Every time I make it, I try to experiment with different cheeses, and it always turns out delicious!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Rich layers of cheesy goodness
Comforting and satisfying for any occasion
Easily customizable with your favorite ingredients

The Role of Ricotta in Baked Ziti

Ricotta cheese is a star player in this Baked Ziti With Ricotta. Its creamy texture adds a luxurious mouthfeel, making each bite feel indulgent. When mixed with the egg, it binds the ricotta mixture, enriching the overall dish. As it bakes, ricotta becomes slightly gooey, which contrasts beautifully with the melty mozzarella, ensuring every layer is a delightful experience.

If you're looking to replace ricotta, consider cottage cheese for a similar texture while lowering the fat content. Blending the cottage cheese until smooth can achieve that creamy aspect needed here. Alternatively, a mixture of cream cheese and Greek yogurt can also mimic the richness of ricotta, delivering a satisfying texture with a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Ziti

When cooking the ziti, aim for al dente—this means the pasta should be firm to the bite. If you overcook the pasta, it can become mushy once baked. To ensure the pasta retains the right texture, drain it while it still has a slight bite, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Additionally, tossing the drained pasta with a splash of olive oil before assembly can help prevent sticking.

Another key tip is to save some of the pasta cooking water. This starchy liquid can be a helpful addition to your sauce if it needs a little more moisture. Just a couple of tablespoons can enhance the sauciness without disrupting the overall flavor or texture of your baked ziti.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make the perfect Baked Ziti With Ricotta:

For the Ziti

1 pound ziti pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all the ingredients well to ensure all flavors are combined!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious Baked Ziti With Ricotta:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.

Combine and Layer

In a large baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers.

Top and Bake

Finish with remaining marinara sauce and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Rest and Serve

Allow the baked ziti to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy with garlic bread or a fresh salad!

Enjoy your hearty meal!

Pro Tips

Try adding cooked ground beef or sausage for a meatier version, or mix in some sautéed vegetables for extra flavor and nutrients.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Baked ziti is an excellent meal for batch cooking and freezing. Once fully assembled but before baking, cover your dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or in the freezer for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking if it's frozen.

Reheating baked ziti is an easy task, but to maintain the best texture, I recommend using the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F, cover the dish with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. If desired, uncover for the last 10 minutes to get that nice bubbly, golden cheese topping.

Serving Suggestions

To complement the rich and cheesy flavors of baked ziti, consider serving it with a simple side salad. A mix of crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light balsamic vinaigrette adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the dish. You can never go wrong with a classic Caesar salad either, which provides a delicious crunch.

For a truly comforting experience, serve your baked ziti with warm garlic bread or Italian breadsticks. The bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate. If you want to impress your guests further, a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley right before serving can add a burst of color and freshness to the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking.

→ What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

You can use cottage cheese or cream cheese, but ricotta gives the best texture.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, baked ziti freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before wrapping and storing it.

→ What side dishes pair well with Baked Ziti?

Garlic bread and a Caesar or garden salad are great options to complement the meal!