This Cheese Baked Ziti is the ultimate cheesy, bubbly comfort food. It features tender pasta tossed in rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and a melty mozzarella-parmesan topping. With classic Italian seasonings and a golden baked finish, this satisfying dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy family meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic baked pasta made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
Loaded with three kinds of cheese for maximum creaminess and flavor
Easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd
Budget-friendly and freezer-friendly

Ingredients Breakdown

1 pound ziti pasta – Cooked al dente for the best texture in baking.
2 cups marinara sauce – Use your favorite jarred or homemade sauce.
1 cup ricotta cheese – Adds creaminess and richness to the dish.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – For that classic stretchy, gooey layer.
1 cup grated parmesan cheese – For savory depth and a golden topping.
2 tablespoons olive oil – Drizzled over the top to help crisp the cheese.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the flavor of the sauce and cheese.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs to tie it all together.
Salt and pepper to taste – Season according to preference.

Tips and Tricks

Use whole milk ricotta and mozzarella for extra richness.
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
Use penne or rigatoni if ziti isn’t available.
Sprinkle fresh basil or chopped parsley on top before serving for a pop of color.

Variations and Customizations

Add protein: Mix in cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or shredded rotisserie chicken.
Make it vegetarian: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted zucchini.
Use different cheeses: Try provolone or fontina in place of mozzarella.
Make ahead: Assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
Pair with a glass of Chianti, Pinot Noir, or sparkling water with lemon.
Ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven or microwave until heated through.

Cheese Baked Ziti

Author: easysweetmeal
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

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Description

This classic baked ziti is loaded with three kinds of cheese—ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan—blended with marinara and seasoned to perfection. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing pasta bake that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the ziti according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.

3. Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine:
- Cooked ziti
- Marinara sauce
- Ricotta cheese
- Half of the shredded mozzarella
- Half of the grated parmesan
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix until everything is evenly coated.

4. Assemble the Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a drizzle of olive oil.
Pour in the pasta mixture and spread it evenly.
Top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
Drizzle olive oil over the top for a crispy, golden finish.

5. Bake

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

6. Cool and Serve

Let the baked ziti cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Always cook pasta al dente to prevent overcooking in the oven.
For a crispier top, broil the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
This recipe doubles well if you’re feeding a larger crowd or want leftovers.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American