Easy Baked Ziti is the ultimate no-fuss comfort dinner. With layers of pasta, marinara, and plenty of melty cheese, this recipe feels cozy without being complicated. You only need a handful of ingredients, one baking dish, and about 30 minutes in the oven. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and perfect for busy nights when you want a meal that satisfies without taking up your whole evening.
Why This Easy Baked Ziti Is a Weeknight Win
- Fast prep: You can put this together in about 10 minutes.
- Easy cleanup: Most of this dish cooks in one baking dish.
- Big flavor: The blend of cheeses and spices makes every bite satisfying.
How to Make Easy Baked Ziti (3 Steps & Timing)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Preheat the oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the ziti:
Cook 1 pound of ziti pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
Mix and assemble:
In a large bowl, combine 1 container of ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce, then add half the ziti, half the ricotta mixture, and half of the remaining sauce. Repeat these layers, finishing with mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Quick Sides & Serving Ideas
- Garlic bread is a classic choice.
- A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch.
- Steamed broccoli or green beans can make it a complete meal.
- Pair with extra marinara or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.
Storage & Reheat (No Soggy Leftovers)
- Fridge: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, use an oven at 350°F (175°C) or an air fryer for a crispy top.
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 vegetables to save time.
- A rotisserie chicken can be shredded and added for extra protein.
- Look for bagged pre-mixed cheeses to speed up preparation.
- Marinara sauce can be bought ready-made for ease.
Smart Swaps & Variations
- Use whole wheat ziti for a healthier option.
- Swap ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter version.
- Experiment with different cheeses, like adding cheddar or mozzarella.
- For a vegetarian twist, add cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
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.
Easy Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 24 ounces marinara sauce 1 jar
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese 1 container
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, egg, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Add half of the cooked pasta, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the remaining sauce. Repeat layers.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let rest 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 Baked Ziti Recipe
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne or rigatoni work just as well. The key is using a pasta with ridges so the sauce clings to every bite.
What if my baked ziti turns out too dry?
Add an extra splash of marinara before baking, or cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes to keep in moisture. Finish uncovered for a golden, bubbly top.
Can I make Easy Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed just add 5–10 extra minutes since it’s starting cold.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes, baked ziti freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F, covered, until warmed through, then uncover to crisp the cheese.
What proteins can I add to baked ziti?
Ground beef, sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken all work well. Just brown the meat first and layer it in with the sauce and pasta.
Wrapping It Up
Easy Baked Ziti is proof that dinner doesn’t have to be fancy to taste amazing. With just pasta, sauce, and cheese, you’ve got a dish that’s filling, cozy, and loved by kids and adults alike. It’s easy to prep, simple to clean up, and makes enough for leftovers that reheat like a dream. Try it tonight, and you’ll see why baked ziti is a weeknight classic that always delivers comfort.
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