Baked Ziti Recipe – The Ultimate Comfort Pasta Dish

Baked Ziti Recipe – The Baked Ziti Recipe is one of the most beloved Italian-American comfort dishes — rich, cheesy, saucy, and absolutely irresistible. It combines tender ziti pasta, savory tomato sauce, melted cheese, and flavorful herbs, all baked to bubbly perfection. Often compared to lasagna, baked ziti is simpler to prepare but delivers the same cozy satisfaction.

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This dish has roots in Southern Italy, where baked pasta (known as pasta al forno) is a staple at family gatherings and celebrations.

Recipe Overview

• Serves: 6–8 people

• Calories: ~480 per serving

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Bake Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

• Cuisine: Italian-American

• Course: Main Course

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta (or penne as an alternative)

• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef, pork, or Italian sausage

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1 egg

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

For Assembling:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta

• Large skillet or saucepan for meat sauce

• Mixing bowls

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• 9×13-inch baking dish

• Aluminum foil

• Oven

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add the ziti pasta and cook for about 1–2 minutes less than the package directions (usually 8–9 minutes).

3. The pasta should be slightly firm (al dente), as it will continue cooking in the oven.

4. Drain the pasta, drizzle lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.

3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add the ground meat (beef, pork, or sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.

5. Drain excess fat if needed.

6. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.

7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Tip: For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.

2. Mix until smooth and creamy.

3. This mixture adds a rich and creamy layer to your baked ziti.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with about two-thirds of the meat sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly.

3. In your baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.

4. Layer half of the ziti mixture in the dish.

5. Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, spreading slightly but not fully mixing it in.

6. Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese over it.

7. Add the remaining ziti mixture on top, followed by the rest of the sauce.

8. Finish with the remaining mozzarella and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to keep the cheese from burning).

2. Bake for 25 minutes.

3. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

4. Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

5. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Flavor Profile of the Baked Ziti Recipe

1. Savory and Rich:

   • The tomato sauce infused with herbs creates a deep, savory base flavor.

2. Creamy and Cheesy:

   • Ricotta adds smooth creaminess, while mozzarella delivers that irresistible melty stretch.

3. Herbaceous and Aromatic:

   • Oregano, basil, and garlic infuse the dish with authentic Italian aroma and depth.

4. Comforting and Hearty:

   • The combination of pasta, meat, and cheese makes each bite satisfying and soul-warming.

5. Balanced Sweetness and Acidity:

   • The tomato sauce adds natural sweetness balanced by tangy cheese and spices.

Conclusion

The Baked Ziti Recipe is a timeless classic that never fails to impress — simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Every layer, from the rich tomato sauce to the gooey cheese and perfectly baked pasta, tells a story of comfort and tradition.