If you’re craving comfort food that’s easy to whip up on a busy weeknight, this Quick Baked Ziti is your answer. Think cheesy, saucy pasta with a crispy topping—ready in under an hour!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Quick Baked Ziti hits all the notes: it’s creamy, hearty, and perfect for feeding a crowd. The shortcut ingredients like jarred marinara and pre-shredded cheese keep prep time minimal, but the flavor is anything but basic. Plus, leftovers (if you have any!) taste even better the next day. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, this dish never disappoints.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient Prep Guide
Ziti Pasta: Cook it al dente (slightly firm) so it holds up during baking. Avoid overcooking—it’ll turn mushy later!
Cheeses: Let ricotta and mozzarella sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes for smoother mixing. Pre-shredded mozzarella works, but block cheese melts creamier.
Marinara Sauce: Taste it first! If it’s too tangy, add a pinch of sugar. For extra depth, stir in 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
Equipment & Tools
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Mixing bowls
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease the baking dish lightly with cooking spray or olive oil.
Step 2: Cook the ziti in salted boiling water according to package directions, but subtract 2 minutes from the cook time. Drain and return it to the pot.
Step 3: In a bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Pour marinara sauce over the drained pasta and stir gently. Add the cheese mixture and fold until the pasta is evenly coated.
Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Key Details
Total Time: 50 mins (Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins)
🍽️ Servings: 6–8 people
⚙️ Equipment: Baking dish, large pot, mixing bowls
Serving Suggestions
Pair this ziti with a simple green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or roasted broccoli are also winners. For a cozy dinner, serve it family-style right from the baking dish—just add a sprinkle of fresh basil on top!
Pro Tips
Freezer-Friendly: Assemble the ziti (without baking) and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Extra Flavor Boost: Brown 1/2 pound of Italian sausage or ground beef and mix it into the pasta for a meaty twist.
Crispy Top: Broil the ziti for 1–2 minutes after baking for an extra-crunchy cheese layer—just watch it closely!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave (2–3 minutes) or oven (350°F for 15–20 minutes). For the oven method, add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Troubleshooting
Too Dry? Stir 1/4 cup reserved pasta water into the sauce before baking. Ovens vary, so cover the dish with foil if the top browns too quickly.
Sauce Too Thin? Simmer the marinara in a pan for 5–10 minutes before mixing to thicken it.
Bland Flavor? Add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or a handful of fresh chopped parsley to the cheese mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or even macaroni work well. Just keep the cooking time al dente.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Prep the ziti up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding 5–10 extra minutes if needed.
Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?
Yes—blend cottage cheese until smooth for a similar texture. The flavor will be slightly milder.
Quick Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease the baking dish lightly with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Cook the ziti in salted boiling water according to package directions, but subtract 2 minutes from the cook time. Drain and return it to the pot.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Pour marinara sauce over the drained pasta and stir gently. Add the cheese mixture and fold until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.