Baked Ziti with Ricotta

I always look forward to cozy family gatherings because they give me the perfect excuse to whip up something comforting and cheesy like this baked ziti with ricotta. One year during our annual holiday movie night, I decided to skip the usual snacks and make a big tray of ziti instead and to my surprise and joy and everyone around the table went silent after the first bite. That’s when I knew I had found a new tradition.

Ever since that moment and I’ve turned to this dish whenever I need a crowd-pleaser for holiday parties or festive Sunday dinners. The combination of tender pasta and hearty tomato sauce and creamy ricotta and bubbling mozzarella is simply unbeatable. It’s warm and filling and perfect for making any gathering feel special and celebratory.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Ziti pasta – The classic base that holds the sauce and cheese perfectly in every bite.
• Ricotta cheese – Adds a creamy and slightly sweet layer that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce.
• Mozzarella cheese – Melts into gooey perfection on top and throughout the dish.
• Parmesan cheese – Offers a salty and nutty finish to elevate all the flavors.
• Marinara sauce – Rich and tangy and it binds all the elements together with a savory warmth.
• Garlic – Adds a bold flavor that enhances the sauce.
• Olive oil – Helps cook the garlic and brings extra richness.
• Italian seasoning – Brings a herby depth to the entire dish.
• Salt & pepper – Essential for balancing all the flavors.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot – To boil the ziti until it’s al dente and ready to bake.
• Skillet – For sautéing the garlic and seasoning to infuse the sauce.
• Mixing bowl – To blend the ricotta with seasonings and create the creamy layer.
• Baking dish – The main vessel where all the delicious layering happens.
• Spoon or spatula – For spreading sauce and cheese evenly.
• Aluminum foil – To cover the ziti while baking and ensure even melting and heating.
• Oven – Essential for baking everything into cheesy perfection.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Boil

I start by preheating my oven to 375°F. Then I boil the ziti in salted water until it’s just shy of al dente because it will finish cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

In a skillet and I heat olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. I add in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Mix Ricotta

In a bowl and I mix ricotta with a bit of salt and pepper. Sometimes I also add a pinch of grated parmesan for extra richness.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Once the pasta is drained and I mix it with most of the marinara sauce and saving a bit to layer on top later.

Step 5: Layer the Ziti

I spoon a layer of sauced pasta into a greased baking dish and then I dollop the ricotta mixture across it. I sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan and then repeat until I use up all the ingredients and finishing with cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake Covered

I cover the dish with foil and bake it for 20 minutes and then uncover it and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

I let it sit for a few minutes before serving and that way the layers stay intact and the flavors settle beautifully.

Tips

If you want to add some protein and I recommend mixing in cooked Italian sausage or ground beef before baking. I’ve also tried tossing in sautéed spinach or mushrooms to sneak in a few vegetables and it always turns out great. And for an extra golden top and I broil the ziti for the last 2 minutes.

Ways to Serve

I like to serve baked ziti with ricotta alongside a crisp Caesar salad and warm garlic bread. It’s also fantastic as leftovers the next day and reheated with a splash of extra sauce to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare baked ziti with ricotta in advance for a holiday event?

Yes and you can assemble it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it the day of your event.

Can I freeze baked ziti with ricotta?

Absolutely and I freeze it after assembling but before baking. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual.

What’s the best pasta for baked ziti with ricotta?

Ziti is traditional and but penne or rigatoni also work well thanks to their tube shape which holds sauce beautifully.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you make this baked ziti with ricotta for your next holiday gathering! It’s one of those dishes that brings people together and fills the room with warmth and joy. Don’t forget to drop a comment or share your version with me – I love seeing your creations!

Happy Cooking!

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