Baked Ziti with Ricotta, Marinara and Cheese

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A rich, comforting layered pasta dish straight from the heart of Italian-American cuisine.

Prep and Cook Time

  • Prep time: 25 minutes

  • Cook time: 30–35 minutes

  • Total time: 1 hour

  • Servings: 6 to 8 people

Ingredients

For the pasta:

  • 500 g (1 lb) ziti pasta (or penne rigate)

  • Salt for pasta water

For the cheese mixture:

  • 450 g (15 oz) ricotta cheese

  • 200 g (7 oz) shredded mozzarella, divided in half

  • 50 g (1.7 oz) grated parmesan

  • 1 egg

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp dried basil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the marinara sauce:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 800 g (28 oz) tomato purée (passata) or marinara sauce

  • Pinch of sugar (optional)

  • 1 tbsp fresh basil (or 1 tsp dried)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the marinara sauce (if homemade)

  1. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.

  3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. Pour in the tomato purée, add basil, sugar (optional), salt and pepper.

  5. Let simmer gently for 15–20 minutes to develop the flavors.

Tip: You can use good-quality store-bought marinara to save time.

2. Cook the pasta

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

  2. Add the ziti and cook 2 minutes less than the package directions (they’ll continue cooking in the oven).

  3. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

3. Make the ricotta cheese filling

  1. In a large bowl, mix the ricotta, half of the shredded mozzarella, the parmesan, egg, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

  2. Stir until creamy and well blended.

4. Assemble the dish

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

  2. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.

  3. Add a layer of cooked pasta.

  4. Spoon and spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture.

  5. Add another layer of sauce, and repeat: pasta, ricotta, sauce.

  6. Finish with the remaining marinara and top with the rest of the mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan.

5. Bake

  1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.

  2. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes.

  3. Remove the foil and bake 10 minutes more until bubbly and golden on top.

  4. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.

Expert Tips & Variations

  • Meaty version: Brown 300 g (10 oz) of ground beef or Italian sausage and mix it into the sauce for a heartier dish.

  • Extra herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving for freshness.

  • Cheese upgrade: Swap mozzarella for provolone, gorgonzola, or fontina for a deeper flavor.

  • Make-ahead friendly: Assemble the dish the night before and bake it the next day.

  • Freezer instructions: Assemble but don’t bake. Cover well and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen with 10 extra minutes.

Calories (per serving)

Each portion provides approximately 480 to 550 kcal, depending on the cheese amounts and serving size.
Using low-fat ricotta or reduced-fat mozzarella can lower the calories slightly.

What to Serve with Baked Ziti

  • Crisp green salad with lemon or balsamic vinaigrette

  • Garlic bread or cheese toast

  • Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant

  • Red wine pairing: Chianti, Sangiovese or a bold Merlot work beautifully

🇮🇹 About the Dish: A Slice of Italian-American History

While baked ziti isn’t traditionally Italian, it’s a cornerstone of Italian-American cuisine. Its roots lie in Southern Italy’s “pasta al forno”, a layered oven-baked pasta with meat, cheese, and sauce. Italian immigrants brought this concept to the U.S., where it evolved with the availability of ingredients like ricotta and marinara.

Ziti became especially popular in New York and New Jersey, where large Italian-American communities embraced it as a festive, feed-a-crowd favorite. Today, it’s a beloved staple at potlucks, Sunday dinners, and holiday buffets.

Storage & Reheating

  • In the fridge: Keeps for 3 to 4 days covered.

  • Reheat: In the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 15–20 minutes, or in the microwave in slices.

  • In the freezer: Store cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple ingredients, big flavor

  • Crowd-pleasing and family-friendly

  • Freezer-friendly for easy prep

  • Perfect balance of creamy, saucy, and cheesy

  • Customizable with meat or veggies

 Final Thoughts

Baked ziti with ricotta, marinara, and cheese is more than just pasta—it’s comfort on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this dish guarantees smiles all around. The rich ricotta layer, gooey mozzarella, and savory marinara come together in a perfect harmony of texture and taste.

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