Few dinners feel as welcoming as a bubbling pan of baked ziti fresh from the oven. It’s warm, hearty, covered in melted cheese, and exactly the kind of meal that makes the kitchen feel a little happier before anyone even sits down.
This recipe is built for nights when you want dinner to be generous, comforting, and easy to love. The pasta stays tender, the sauce is rich and savory, and the layers of cheese make every bite feel cozy in the best way. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, but it also has that wonderful shareable quality that makes it just as good for a casual gathering or a family table.
I love recipes like this because they do not ask for perfection. They just ask for a baking dish, a little time, and a willingness to make dinner feel warm and full of care. That is more than enough.
Recipe Card
Cheesy Baked Ziti
Description
A cozy baked pasta dinner with tender ziti, rich marinara, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s easy, comforting, and perfect for feeding a table without much stress.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Serves
6
Category
Dinner
Cuisine Type
Italian-Inspired
Diet
Vegetarian
Calories
Approx. 560 per serving
Health Information
Protein: 24 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fat: 29 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 760 mg
Health note: A hearty comfort-food dinner with satisfying protein and plenty of flavor. Pair it with a green salad or roasted vegetables if you want to round out the meal.
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on ingredients, brands, and portion size.
Equipment
Large pot
Colander
Large mixing bowl
9x13-inch baking dish
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
12 ounces ziti pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 large egg
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until just al dente, then drain.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and parsley.
Add the cooked pasta and marinara sauce to the bowl and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
Top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted.
Let it rest for 5 minutes, then finish with extra parsley before serving.
Recipe Notes
Cook the pasta just to al dente so it stays tender after baking.
Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms if you want a vegetable variation.
A little rest time before serving helps the baked ziti hold together better.
Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.