If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food to warm your soul, look no further than Baked Ziti with Ricotta. This classic Italian-American dish is the perfect combination of tender pasta, savory tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and a creamy ricotta filling. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a party, or simply to satisfy your cravings, this dish will undoubtedly hit the spot.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make this incredibly satisfying baked ziti recipe, share tips for perfecting it, and explain why it’s such a beloved comfort food. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!
What is Baked Ziti?
Baked ziti is a traditional Italian-American casserole made with ziti pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and layers of cheese. The dish is typically baked until bubbly and golden on top. Ricotta cheese is often used to create a creamy layer in between the pasta and sauce, adding a luxurious texture that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
This dish is simple to make but full of flavor, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti with Ricotta
- Comforting and Filling: The combination of pasta, cheese, and sauce is the ultimate comfort food that satisfies your hunger and lifts your spirits. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main dish, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day.
- Easy to Make: Despite its rich flavor, baked ziti is incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a dish that’s sure to impress. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal that reduces the cleanup.
- Customizable: You can tweak this dish based on your preferences. Whether you prefer a meatless version or want to add ground beef, sausage, or vegetables, baked ziti can be adapted to suit your taste.
The Key Ingredients
To make this baked ziti with ricotta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Ziti Pasta: This short, tube-shaped pasta holds sauce and cheese perfectly, giving each bite a satisfying texture. If you can’t find ziti, penne or rigatoni can be used as alternatives.
- Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta adds a creamy texture and subtle sweetness to the dish. It pairs wonderfully with the tomato sauce and other cheeses.
- Tomato Sauce: Choose a good-quality marinara or pasta sauce. You can use store-bought or homemade sauce, depending on how much time you have. If you’re making your own, don’t forget to season it with garlic, basil, and oregano for that authentic Italian flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella provides a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s a key ingredient for achieving that bubbly, cheesy top.
- Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the dish. It’s perfect for finishing the ziti with a bit of extra richness.
- Ground Meat (Optional): While not necessary, some people love adding ground beef, or sausage to their baked ziti for a heartier meal. This step is entirely optional depending on your preferences.
How to Make Baked Ziti with Ricotta
Baked Ziti with Ricotta (The Ultimate Comfort Dish!)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 jar 24 ounces marinara or pasta sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced (optional)
- 1 pound ground beef or sausage optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the ziti according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Meat (Optional): If you’re using ground meat, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Then, add the ground meat, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined. If you’re using ground meat, add it to the mixture. Then, add in the marinara sauce and mix everything together.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture, stirring gently to coat all the pasta in the cheesy sauce.
- Assemble the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or non-stick spray. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with half of the remaining mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the second layer of pasta and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Ziti: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the ziti from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and makes it easier to cut.
Notes
Why Baked Ziti with Ricotta is a Crowd-Pleaser
This baked ziti with ricotta is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a special occasion. It’s easy to make, loaded with cheesy goodness, and full of comforting flavors. Plus, it’s customizable—add vegetables, meat, or extra cheese depending on what you like best.
So, whether you’re feeding a hungry family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to be a hit every time!
Final Thoughts
Baked Ziti with Ricotta is the ultimate comfort dish that brings people together. It’s easy to make, super satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Try this recipe today and enjoy a cozy, cheesy meal that everyone will love!