Baked Ziti With Ricotta

Baked Ziti with Ricotta is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, rich, and packed with layers of flavor.

This hearty Italian-American classic features tender ziti pasta tossed in a robust marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted mozzarella.

It’s the perfect dish for feeding a crowd, making ahead for meal prep, or simply enjoying a cozy, satisfying dinner at home. With every bite, you’ll get the perfect balance of sauce, cheese, and pasta baked to perfection.

Ingredients

To make the best Baked Ziti with Ricotta, you’ll need a combination of classic Italian ingredients that create a rich and comforting dish. Using high-quality cheeses and sauce will elevate the flavors even more.

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage or beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
• 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions

Perfecting baked ziti is all about layering flavors and textures. Follow these steps to create a dish that is rich, cheesy, and absolutely delicious.

1. Cook the pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the meat sauce:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the ground Italian sausage (or beef) and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add the sauce and seasonings:
   Pour in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to develop deep, rich flavors.
4. Mix the ricotta filling:
   In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble the ziti:
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, half of the remaining meat sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
6. Bake to perfection:
   Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
7. Garnish and serve:
   Let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and extra Parmesan, then enjoy!

Tweaks and Additions

Baked ziti is incredibly versatile, and there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. Here are some ideas to make it even more special:

• Make it extra cheesy:
  Add a layer of burrata or extra mozzarella in the middle of the dish for an ultra-gooey, indulgent bite.
• Use a different protein:
  Swap out the sausage or beef for shredded rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Boost the veggies:
  Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra texture and flavor while adding a nutritious boost.
• Spice it up:
  If you love heat, mix some crushed red pepper flakes into the ricotta filling or drizzle spicy arrabbiata sauce over the top before baking.
• Try a creamy twist:
  Mix a little Alfredo sauce with the marinara for a creamy tomato sauce that adds an extra layer of richness to the dish.
• Go for a crispy topping:
  Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or panko mixed with Parmesan on top before baking for a crispy, golden crust.
• Infuse with garlic butter:
  Toss the cooked ziti in a bit of garlic butter before layering to enhance its flavor with a subtle, buttery richness.
• Gluten-free option:
  Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish accessible to everyone while maintaining the same delicious flavors and textures.
• Fresh herb boost:
  Mix chopped fresh basil or parsley into the ricotta mixture for a bright, herby touch that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Baked Ziti with Ricotta is a timeless classic that delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or meal prep, it’s a dish that never disappoints.

Try it out and let me know how you make it your own—drop a comment below with your favorite variations. Enjoy!