Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe – Easy Weeknight Pasta Bake
Quick Answer
Baked ziti is made by layering cooked ziti pasta with ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and optionally Italian sausage in a baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Serves 8 and is perfect for meal prep.
Layers of ziti, ricotta, meat sauce, and bubbly mozzarella
By Sarah Mitchell • June 14, 2026
Baked ziti is a crowd-pleaser — tubes of pasta layered with ricotta, a meaty tomato sauce, and mountains of bubbly mozzarella.
Undercook the pasta by 2 minutes since it finishes cooking in the oven.
Make a double batch and freeze one for a future weeknight lifesaver.
About This Recipe
"Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe – Easy Weeknight Pasta Bake" is a Comfort Food recipe that brings ziti pasta, Italian sausage, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese and shredded mozzarella together into a flavorful, well-balanced dish. Rated Easy and ready in about 45 minutes, this recipe fits easily into a busy schedule. It serves 8 and works equally well for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. The Italian-American inspiration behind this dish balances classic techniques with clean, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Cook ziti 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain.
- 2
Brown sausage. Add marinara sauce and simmer 5 minutes.
- 3
Mix ricotta, egg, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil.
- 4
Layer: half the pasta, half the sauce, all the ricotta mixture, remaining pasta and sauce.
- 5
Top with remaining mozzarella. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Expert Tips
For the best result, use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find. Ziti pasta is the heart of this dish, so choose it with care. Read the recipe through before you start and prep all ingredients in advance (mise en place) so the cooking process is smooth. Oven and stovetop work especially well for this preparation. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and acid at the end to make the flavors pop.
What To Serve With This
"Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe – Easy Weeknight Pasta Bake" is a versatile Comfort Food dish that pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, buttered green beans, roasted potatoes and classic Italian-American sides. Choose at least one fresh and one hearty side to create a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe – Easy Weeknight Pasta Bake stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating before sealing the container. Reheat gently until warmed through, adding a small splash of liquid if needed to restore the original texture.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is baked ziti?
Baked ziti is an Italian-American casserole made with ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and a tomato-based meat sauce, baked until bubbly. Think of it as a deconstructed lasagna — same flavors, much easier to make.
Can you make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes — assemble the dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it's starting cold. You can also freeze unbaked ziti for up to 3 months.
What can I substitute for ricotta in baked ziti?
Cottage cheese (blended smooth) is the closest substitute. Greek yogurt or cream cheese mixed with an egg also work. For a lighter version, use silken tofu blended with a pinch of salt and Italian herbs.
Why is my baked ziti dry?
The most common cause is overcooking the pasta before baking. Cook it 2 minutes less than the package directions (it finishes cooking in the oven). Also, make sure you have enough sauce — the pasta absorbs liquid as it bakes.
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