Description
Baked Ziti with Ricotta is a classic Italian-American comfort dish made with al dente ziti pasta, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and robust spaghetti sauce. It’s baked to perfection and ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta: creates the base and texture
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese: adds creaminess and richness
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: provides melt and stretch
- 1 large egg: binds the cheese mixture
- 3 cups spaghetti sauce: adds tomato flavor and moisture
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: finishes with a nutty, salty layer
- Salted water: for boiling the pasta
- Cooking spray or oil: to grease the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, egg, and 1½ cups of spaghetti sauce. Stir well.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Top with the remaining spaghetti sauce and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set.
Notes
- Don’t overcook pasta — keep it al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
- Cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes to retain moisture.
- Use full-fat ricotta for a creamier texture, or part-skim for a lighter version.
- Great for freezing — wrap tightly before baking and store for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Baked Ziti with Ricotta, cheesy pasta bake, Italian comfort food, ricotta pasta recipe, easy baked pasta