Classic Baked Ziti is one of those meals that feels like a hug at the table. Pasta, sauce, cheese what’s not to love? The best part? You don’t need hours to pull it off. Just three simple steps and you’ve got a bubbling dish of comfort that’s perfect for weeknights. Toss it in the oven, wrangle the kids, and dinner’s ready before anyone can ask, “What’s for dinner?”
Why This Classic Baked Ziti Is a Weeknight Win
- Fast prep: Get everything ready in about 10 minutes.
- Easy cleanup: One baking dish means less mess.
- Big flavor: Everyone loves cheesy pasta dishes.
How to Make Classic Baked Ziti (3 Steps & Timing)
Cook the Ziti and Make the Sauce
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook 1 pound of ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 chopped large onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute more. Add 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes, 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried basil, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Mix the Cheese Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 beaten large egg, and ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley. Mix well.
Assemble and Bake
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti and the tomato sauce, stirring gently. Pour half of the ziti mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the ziti. Top with the remaining ziti mixture. Finally, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly, with the cheese melted and golden brown. Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Quick Sides & Serving Ideas
- Garlic bread for a crunchy side.
- A fresh green salad dressed with olive oil.
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
- Marinara sauce for extra dipping.
Storage & Reheat (No Soggy Leftovers)
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, use the oven or air fryer to keep the top crispy. Heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for best results.
Got Leftovers? Make Them Work for You
Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Most of the time they’re a head start on tomorrow’s meal. Toss roasted veggies into eggs, turn last night’s chicken into wraps, or freeze soups for a lazy-night rescue. The trick is storing them right and keeping it simple. That way, instead of another chore, leftovers feel like a shortcut. See more easy ideas here and make the most of what you’ve got.
10-Minute Prep & Time-Saving Shortcuts
- Use pre-chopped onions and garlic.
- Grab a rotisserie chicken for a protein boost.
- Buy pre-made marinara sauce for super easy prep.
- Use bagged salad mixes for quick sides.
Smart Swaps & Variations
- Swap ziti for penne or rigatoni if that’s what you have.
- Use low-fat cheeses for a lighter version.
- Add cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for more nutrition.
- Substitute ground turkey or beef for a heartier dish.
Craving Something Quick and Crave-Worthy?
Lazy Bites is my go-to spot for those snack cravings that hit out of nowhere. Cheesy pulls, sweet bites, and sides that come together fast no fuss, no fancy prep. Whether it’s a lazy Saturday, a game night spread, or just a quick fix before dinner, these recipes are made to hit the spot without stealing your time. Grab a bite now and keep it easy.
Classic Baked Ziti
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta Cooked until al dente
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large chopped onion Cook until softened
- 2 cloves minced garlic Add to the onion
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Filling
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large beaten egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Cook the Ziti and Make the Sauce
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Mix the Cheese Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix well.
Assemble and Bake
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti and the tomato sauce, stirring gently.
- Pour half of the ziti mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the ziti.
- Top with the remaining ziti mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly, with the cheese melted and golden brown.
- Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Lazy Cook’s Pro Tips
A couple of small tweaks can save you time every week. Line sheet pans with parchment for zero scrubbing, keep pre-chopped garlic in the fridge for instant flavor, and double-batch sauces so you’ve got a backup for busy nights. Little shortcuts like these keep dinners easy without giving up taste. See more time-saving tips here and make cooking less of a chore.
FAQs about Classic Baked Ziti
Q1: Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yep! You can assemble baked ziti the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven. Add about 10 extra minutes of baking time since it’ll be cold from the fridge. It’s a great make-ahead option when life’s a little hectic.
Q2: Do I need to cook the pasta all the way before baking?
Not fully. Cook the pasta until it’s just al dente because it’ll finish cooking in the oven. If you overcook it on the stove, it might turn mushy after baking. Keeping it slightly firm makes all the difference in texture.
Q3: Can I freeze baked ziti?
Absolutely. Just let it cool, wrap it tightly in foil or freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until bubbly. It tastes just as good as fresh.
Q4: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Skip the microwave if you can. The oven or air fryer keeps that top layer of cheese nice and crispy. Heat at 350°F until warmed through, and you’ll get that fresh-from-the-oven vibe all over again.
Q5: Can I swap ricotta for something else?
For sure. Cottage cheese works as a lighter option, or you can use mascarpone for an extra creamy twist. Some folks even go all mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s flexible use what you’ve got and what your crew likes best.
Final Troughs
Classic Baked Ziti is a fantastic dish that combines ease with satisfying flavors. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a dinner that your whole family will love!
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