How to Make the Perfect Baked Ziti with Ricotta
Italian American · Medium · 65 min · 6 servings
A hearty baked pasta casserole layered with creamy ricotta, zesty marinara, and bubbling mozzarella. This crowd pleasing comfort dish is perfect for family dinners and meal prep.
Why this recipe works
This Baked Ziti with Ricotta recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 65 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 710 calories with 34g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 10 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 450 g ziti pasta
- 450 g whole milk ricotta cheese
- 300 g shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 60 g Parmesan cheese grated
- 700 ml marinara sauce
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ziti
Preheat oven to 190 degrees Celsius. Cook ziti in salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than the package directions so it is very al dente. Drain and set aside. It will finish cooking in the oven.
Step 2: Make the Ricotta Mixture
In a large bowl combine ricotta cheese, eggs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Stir until fully combined into a smooth mixture.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the ricotta mixture and toss well to coat every piece. Pour in 500 ml of the marinara sauce and stir again until everything is evenly mixed.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
Spread a thin layer of remaining marinara on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour in the pasta mixture and spread evenly. Top with remaining marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ziti pasta → penne or rigatoni work equally well in this bake
- whole milk ricotta → cottage cheese blended smooth for a lighter option
- marinara sauce → homemade tomato sauce or a jarred arrabbiata for extra heat
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Cooking the pasta fully before baking which results in an overcooked mushy texture
- Not covering with foil during the first bake phase which dries out the top layer
- Skipping the resting period after baking which causes the layers to fall apart when serving
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 710 calories, 34g protein, 78g carbs, 29g fat, 5g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →