Baked Ziti with Ricotta

Baked ziti with ricotta always takes me back to a chilly evening when I wanted a comforting dinner that felt like a big, warm hug so I pulled out a box of ziti, some ricotta, and plenty of melty cheese and started layering everything together. As it baked in the oven, the house filled with the incredible smell of bubbling tomato sauce and golden, cheesy goodness, and I couldn’t wait to dive into that first forkful. When I finally pulled it out and saw all the melty layers, I knew it was going to be a new family favorite.

Since then this baked ziti with ricotta has become my ultimate cozy dinner when I want to share something hearty and delicious with friends and family so it’s easy enough for a weeknight but also perfect for special gatherings and I can’t wait for you to enjoy it and make it part of your own comfort food traditions.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Ziti pasta – The perfect shape to hold onto all that sauce and cheese.
• Ricotta cheese – Creamy and rich, adds the best texture.
• Marinara sauce – Brings that classic, savory tomato flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese – For gooey, melty goodness.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds sharp, salty depth.
• Egg – Helps bind the ricotta mixture together.
• Fresh basil – Bright and aromatic for finishing touches.
• Olive oil – Helps coat the pasta and adds extra flavor.
• Garlic – Infuses the sauce with warmth and depth.
• Salt and black pepper – To season every layer just right.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot – To cook the pasta perfectly.
• Colander – For draining the ziti.
• Mixing bowl – To stir together the ricotta filling.
• Baking dish – For layering and baking everything together.
• Spoon or spatula – To spread the layers evenly.
• Aluminum foil – Helps prevent over-browning during baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

I start by boiling the ziti in salted water until just al dente since it will finish cooking in the oven. Then I drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the ricotta mixture

In a mixing bowl, I combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. I stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Prepare the sauce

If I’m feeling extra cozy, I sauté garlic in olive oil in a pan before adding the marinara sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Then I let it simmer for a few minutes.

Step 4: Layer everything

In the baking dish, I start with a layer of sauce, then add half of the cooked ziti, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture and a sprinkle of mozzarella. I repeat the layers, finishing with sauce and plenty of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Step 5: Bake

I cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes. Then I remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

I let it cool slightly before sprinkling fresh basil on top for a beautiful finish.

Tips

If you want to make it extra special, I recommend adding cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the sauce for a heartier version. You can also use fresh herbs like parsley or oregano in the ricotta layer for even more flavor.

Ways to Serve

I love serving baked ziti with ricotta alongside a crisp green salad and some warm garlic bread. It’s also delicious on its own as a cozy, complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make baked ziti with ricotta ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it fully, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking.

Can I freeze it?

Absolutely! Freeze before or after baking, then reheat when ready to enjoy.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Sure! Penne or rigatoni also work wonderfully.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this baked ziti with ricotta a try! It’s one of those dishes that feels like home in every bite. Let me know how it turns out and share your favorite additions below! Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next comforting dinner or special family gathering.

Happy Cooking!

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