Baked Ziti With Ricotta

Name: Baked Ziti With Ricotta
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz ziti pasta; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese; 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Artisan Bakes

I absolutely love making Baked Ziti with Ricotta for gatherings. There's something incredibly comforting about this dish; it's hearty, cheesy, and perfect for sharing. Each layer of pasta enveloped in rich marinara and creamy ricotta feels like a warm embrace on a chilly day. Plus, it’s so easy to prepare ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weekdays or weekend get-togethers. I appreciate that even as it bakes, the aroma fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to come to the table and indulge. Trust me, this dish will become a family favorite!

Created by

Lucy Price

Last updated on 2026-02-07T23:05:36.154Z

When I first tried making Baked Ziti with Ricotta, I was amazed at how simple yet rewarding it was. I layered ziti pasta with a robust marinara sauce and dollops of fluffy ricotta, and as it baked, the cheese melted beautifully, creating a luscious top layer. I discovered that using a mix of cheeses not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful texture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

One tip I learned along the way is to let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to slice into portions. Trust me, taking that extra time is worth it when you see the smiles on everyone's faces as they enjoy this comforting classic!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and comforting layers of pasta and cheese
Great for feeding a crowd or meal prep
Melts in your mouth with a perfect balance of flavors

Key Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in Baked Ziti with Ricotta plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The ziti pasta provides a sturdy base with ridges that hold onto the sauce and cheese, allowing each bite to be satisfyingly rich. Ricotta cheese, known for its creamy texture, adds a luscious quality to the dish while also helping to create a wonderful contrast to the buttery cheese blend on top. For a different twist, consider using a mix of ricotta and cottage cheese for extra creaminess.

The marinara sauce is another standout ingredient; a good quality sauce can significantly enhance the overall flavor profile. If you're short on time, a store-bought marinara is perfectly acceptable, but you can easily elevate it with fresh garlic, a splash of red wine, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat. Always taste your sauce before layering it in, adjusting with salt and pepper as necessary, to ensure that all layers of flavor come through in every forkful.

Baking Technique Tips

When baking your ziti, the initial step of covering the dish with foil is essential. This method traps steam, which helps to heat the casserole evenly without drying it out before the cheese reaches that glorious bubbly state. After the first 25 minutes, removing the foil allows the cheese to brown beautifully; I often look for that golden edge as a sign that it’s perfectly baked. If you prefer a slightly crispier top, keeping it uncovered for an additional 5 minutes can make a delightful difference.

If you're preparing this dish in advance, you can assemble the layers the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just remember that if it's cold from the fridge, it may require a few extra minutes of baking time. On the flip side, if you're freezing it, I suggest underbaking slightly; let’s say 20-25 minutes, letting it cook fully only after thawing and baking. This way, you avoid mushy pasta and preserve the delightful layers of flavor.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

12 oz ziti pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Now you're ready to start making your delicious Baked Ziti!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make Baked Ziti with Ricotta:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti pasta until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and set aside.

Assemble the Ziti

In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce, then dollop half of the ricotta mixture on top. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella then repeat the layers.

Top with Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top layer and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Let the Baked Ziti rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and enjoy!

Enjoy your homemade Baked Ziti!

Pro Tips

To enhance the flavor, consider adding cooked ground sausage or spinach between the layers.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Ziti with Ricotta is delicious on its own, but it can truly shine with some well-chosen accompaniments. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the ziti. Additionally, serving it with warm, crusty garlic bread allows you to savor every last bit of sauce, making your meal a more complete experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some crushed red pepper on top of each serving for an extra kick.

For a touch of elegance, you might want to consider plating it family-style in a larger dish, garnished with fresh basil or parsley. The pop of color from the fresh herbs enhances visual appeal and freshness, making it inviting. For a twist, serve it with a drizzle of pesto on individual plates for a flavor boost that complements the creamy ricotta beautifully.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your Baked Ziti comes out watery, it could be due to the pasta releasing too much starch or the marinara sauce being too thin. To counteract this, ensure that your ziti is al dente before baking, as it will continue to absorb moisture in the oven. For a thicker sauce, you can simmer the marinara to reduce it further before layering it into the dish. Conversely, if it turns out dry, it may have been overbaked—keeping an eye on the last few minutes will help prevent this.

Another common issue is uneven layers. To avoid this, be sure to dollop the ricotta mixture evenly across the pasta, ensuring that every bite gets that luscious texture. Furthermore, when layering, try to distribute the cheeses and sauce uniformly for consistent flavor throughout. This way, each serving is just as indulgent as the last—perfect for impressing guests or enjoying at home!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's cold.

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! Feel free to use penne, rigatoni, or any pasta shape you prefer.

→ Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit any meat and load it with your favorite vegetables instead.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.