If you’re looking for a simple yet incredibly delicious baked ziti recipe, this is the one for you! No complicated steps—just a foolproof method that delivers perfectly saucy, cheesy, and golden-brown baked ziti every single time.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prep. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, you’ll have a comforting and satisfying meal on the table in no time.
Ingredients
This easy baked ziti keeps things simple while delivering the rich flavors you love. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 jar (24 oz) high-quality marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
This baked ziti comes together in just a few easy steps—no need to overcomplicate perfection!
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, toss with olive oil, and set aside. - Mix the Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to blend the flavors together. - Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy. - Assemble the Ziti:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture. Pour half of the remaining marinara sauce on top, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. - Layer Again:
Repeat with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. - Bake to Perfection:
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown. - Garnish and Serve:
Let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan for a beautiful, aromatic finish.
Tweaks and Additions
Want to switch things up? Here are some simple yet effective ways to customize your baked ziti:
- Add Protein:
Stir in cooked ground beef, crumbled Italian sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken to add a savory depth and make the dish even more filling. - Make It Extra Cheesy:
Don’t stop at mozzarella—try mixing in provolone for creaminess, gouda for a smoky kick, or fontina for a buttery melt. - Go Veggie-Packed:
Sauté spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini and mix them into the layers for added texture, color, and nutrients. - Spice It Up:
If you like heat, add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a drizzle of spicy arrabbiata sauce for a fiery touch. - Crunchy Topping:
For a delightful crispy crust, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan, then sprinkle over the top before baking. - Use a Different Pasta:
While ziti is the classic choice, penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli will work beautifully to hold onto the rich sauce.
This super easy baked ziti is the ultimate definition of comfort food—effortless to make, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to bring smiles all around.
Each bite is a perfect balance of gooey, cheesy goodness and rich, flavorful sauce, wrapped around tender pasta. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just indulging in some classic Italian comfort, this dish never disappoints.
Food is about bringing people together, and there’s nothing like the warmth of a bubbling, cheesy baked ziti fresh out of the oven to do just that.
Try this recipe out, make it your own, and share your experience in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you customized it! Buon appetito and happy cooking!