This recipe for Baked Ziti layers tender pasta, rich spaghetti sauce, and a gooey 3-cheese blend creating the ultimate comfort dish. Baked to golden bubbly perfection, it’s packed with cozy, home-cooked goodness that's always a family favorite.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Baked Ziti Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Baked Ziti
• 🔪 How to Make Baked Ziti with Meat
• 💡 Tips for Making Baked Ziti
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Homemade Ziti
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Can I Make This Baked Ziti Ahead of Time?
• Can I Use Store-bought Sauce Instead of Homemade?
• Do I Need to Cook the Pasta Before Assembling the Ziti?
• Can I Use Low-Fat Cheese or Ricotta?
• Is Baked Ziti Gluten-Free?
• 🍽️ More Delicious Italian Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Baked Ziti Recipe

• Classic bold Italian flavors
• Layers of ziti baked with a combination of savory meats and 3 cheeses
• Hearty and satisfying
• The ultimate Italian comfort food
• Perfect for potlucks or special occasion dinners

Baked ziti is one of those dishes that both kids and adults just can’t resist. With this recipe, making the sauce from scratch takes it to the next level of deliciousness. Each step, from simmering a rich sauce to layering it with tender pasta and creamy ricotta, brings out bold Italian flavors you just can’t beat.

This baked ziti recipe has everything you want in a cozy, home-cooked dinner, with layers of bubbly cheese and the perfect balance of sauce and pasta. This recipe makes the perfect dish for potlucks, special occasions, or just a cozy meal that will bring everyone together around the table.

If you love warm and hearty pasta dishes, you should also check out my Penne Alla Vodka and my Creamy Tuscan Tortellini.

🛒 Ingredients for Baked Ziti

• Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
• Ziti
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Ricotta cheese

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Large pot
• Mixing bowl
• Casserole baking dish

🔪 How to Make Baked Ziti with Meat

Prepare your spaghetti sauce as per the instructions in the recipe. 

When the sauce is about 10 minutes away from being done, heat a large pot of water on high and once boiling, add in a heaping pinch of salt and your pasta.  Stir and allow to boil until the pasta is just under cooked al dente. 

Tip: You want your pasta slightly under cooked, as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven and you don’t want it falling apart or mushy.

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Once the pasta is ready (do not rinse it) add it to a large bowl and pour some of the sauce over the top.  Toss to coat the pasta.

Prepare a deep 9 x 13 casserole baking dish by adding a small amount of the sauce on the bottom, spread in an even layer. Pour ⅓ of the ziti in your prepared baking dish.  Spread it in an even layer.

Add half the ricotta cheese in small dollops, ⅓ of the grated parmesan cheese and ⅓ of the shredded mozzarella cheese.

Add ⅓ of the remaining sauce evenly over the top.

Repeat this process again, then add the final layer of pasta, topped with the remaining sauce, parmesan cheese and mozzarella in that order.

Bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden. 

Allow to cool slightly before serving.

💡 Tips for Making Baked Ziti

• Allow the baked ziti to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps it set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavor as it melds.

• A deeper dish (like a 9x13 casserole) allows for more layers and keeps the sauce and cheese from bubbling over.

• Start baking with the dish covered in foil, then remove it for the last 10 minutes for a golden, bubbly top. This helps prevent the cheese from browning too quickly, giving you that perfectly golden finish.

• Lightly spray the baking dish with nonstick spray before adding the sauce and pasta layers. This will make serving easier and reduce any baked-on mess, simplifying cleanup.

• Use the broiler for a few minutes at the end if you want an extra golden top. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning because the cheese can brown quickly.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Fridge: Store any leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just be sure to allow it to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezer: Baked ziti freezes well! After cooling, transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat, cover the ziti with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. For individual portions, just heat in the microwave until warmed through.

🍴 What to Serve with Homemade Ziti

One thing about this dish is that it’s very filling, so you'll want something light when considering a side dish. Here are some of my favorite choices:

• Sauteed Broccolini
• Easy Bean Salad
• Air Fryer Asparagus
• Oven Roasted Broccoli
• Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
• Mixed green salad with a Citrus Vinaigrette
• Simple Caesar salad with homemade Caesar Dressing 
• Caprese Salad

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Pasta shapes: While ziti is traditional, feel free to swap in rigatoni, penne, or even rotini. Each shape brings a slightly different texture and holds onto the sauce in its own way.

• Cheese options: For a twist on flavor, try mixing in provolone, fontina, or even a bit of smoked mozzarella for extra depth. Just be mindful that softer cheeses might make the dish creamier.

• Fresh herbs: The sauce is loaded with fresh flavors, but after plating, top each serving with a sprinkle of fresh basil, parsley, or oregano to add a pop of color.

• Other veggies: Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers mix in beautifully with the sauce and add extra texture and nutrients.

Can I Make This Baked Ziti Ahead of Time?

Sure! You can assemble the ziti up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When baking from the fridge, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Can I Use Store-bought Sauce Instead of Homemade?

Absolutely. Homemade sauce tastes better and is better for you but you can swap it for a high-quality store-bought sauce.

Do I Need to Cook the Pasta Before Assembling the Ziti?

I recommend that you cook it first. This allows you to better control the moisture in the dish and it also ensures the pasta is completely cooked when you take it out of the oven.

Can I Use Low-Fat Cheese or Ricotta?

Yes, you can use low-fat versions of mozzarella and ricotta, though they may affect the creaminess and richness. Full-fat cheeses tend to give the best flavor and texture.

Is Baked Ziti Gluten-Free?

Traditional baked ziti uses regular pasta, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta. Check that other ingredients, like sauces, are also gluten-free.

🍽️ More Delicious Italian Recipes

• Air Fryer Italian Sausage and Peppers
• Italian Sausage and Peppers Hash
• Eggplant Lasagna
• Pork Marsala
• Panzanella Salad