Creamy Oven-Baked Ziti is one of those dependable comfort-food dishes that works for almost any occasion. It brings together tender pasta, a rich tomato-based meat sauce, and layers of creamy ricotta and melted cheese in a single pan that’s easy to prepare and even easier to serve. This version is designed for real home kitchens, with straightforward steps and familiar ingredients that come together without stress.

What makes baked ziti especially practical is its flexibility. It can be assembled ahead of time, baked fresh for a family dinner, or reheated for leftovers that still taste just as satisfying. The balance of sauce, pasta, and cheese ensures every bite is flavorful without feeling heavy or overly rich. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, planning meals for the week, or looking for a reliable dish to bring to a gathering, this baked ziti fits naturally into everyday cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Version

Comfort-food flavors: Soft pasta, savory sauce, and creamy ricotta create a layered, cheesy bite in every forkful.
No complicated steps: Everything is simple and beginner-friendly.
Feeds a crowd: One pan makes a generous portion.
Great for prepping ahead: Assemble early and bake later.
Customizable: Works with beef, sausage, ground chicken, or veggies.

What You’ll Need

Pasta & Protein

• 1 lb (450g) ziti pasta
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef OR Italian sausage

Aromatics & Tomato Base

• 1 chopped onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 2 jars (24–26 oz each) marinara sauce
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt + pepper

Cheesy Filling

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 beaten egg
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup grated Parmesan

Optional

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large pot
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Colander
• Aluminum foil

How to Make Creamy Oven-Baked Ziti

Before You Begin
Preheat your oven and prepare the baking dish as listed. Cooking times and results may vary based on oven accuracy, pasta brand, sauce thickness, and layer depth, so rely on visual cues as well as time ranges in each step.

1. Heat the Oven

Preheat to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease your baking dish so the pasta doesn’t stick.

2. Cook the Pasta

Boil the ziti in well-salted water until al dente.
Visual cue: Pasta should look firm in the center and hold its shape when stirred.

3. Brown the Meat

In a skillet, cook your beef (or sausage) until browned.
Drain excess fat to keep the dish light and non-greasy.

4. Add Onion, Garlic & Spices

Add onion and cook until softened and lightly translucent. Stir in garlic and herbs and cook 1–2 minutes, or until fragrant without browning.

5. Make the Sauce

Pour in both jars of marinara.
Season with salt and pepper.
Simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavor.

6. Prepare the Ricotta Layer

In a bowl, combine:

• Ricotta
• Egg

Mix until creamy and smooth.

7. Layer the Dish

In your baking dish:

1. Spread half the pasta
2. Add half the ricotta mixture
3. Spoon half the meat sauce
4. Sprinkle mozzarella + Parmesan

Repeat the same layers again.

8. Add the Cheese Topping

Cover everything with a final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan.

9. Bake

Bake covered for 25–30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling at the edges, and lightly golden on top.

10. Rest Before Serving

Let the baked ziti sit for 10 minutes.
This helps the layers hold their shape. Let the ziti rest for about 10 minutes.
Visual cue: Layers should look set and hold their shape when sliced.

How to Serve Baked Ziti

Pair this pasta bake with:

• Warm garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Caprese salad
• Sautéed spinach

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:

3–4 days in an airtight container.

Freezer:

Freeze assembled or baked ziti for up to 3 months.

Reheat:

• Oven: 350°F for 15–20 minutes
• Microwave: Reheat in short intervals to prevent drying. Reheat only the portion you plan to serve, as reheating multiple times may affect quality.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Assemble up to 24 hours ahead
• Store covered in the refrigerator
• Add 5–10 extra minutes to baking time

Variations

• Vegetarian: Add mushrooms, zucchini, spinach
• Extra cheesy: Layer sliced provolone
• Spicy: Add spicy Italian sausage or chili flakes
• Healthy swap: Use whole-wheat pasta

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the pasta
  Fully cooked pasta will turn mushy after baking. Always cook ziti just until al dente.
• Not using enough sauce
  Baked ziti needs plenty of sauce to stay creamy. Dry pasta absorbs liquid while baking.
• Skipping the foil step
  Baking uncovered the entire time can dry out the center. Cover first, then uncover to brown.
• Overloading with cheese
  Too much cheese can make the dish greasy instead of creamy.
• Not letting it rest before serving
  Cutting immediately causes the layers to fall apart. Resting helps it set.
• Forgetting to drain excess fat
  Leaving grease in the meat sauce can make the final dish heavy and oily.

FAQ

1. Can I use penne or rigatoni instead of ziti?
Yes. Any short, tube-shaped pasta works well because it holds the sauce inside and stays firm while baking. Penne and rigatoni are the best substitutes if ziti isn’t available.

2. Should I cook the pasta fully before baking?
No. Boil the pasta until just al dente—usually 1–2 minutes less than the package instructions. Pasta continues cooking in the oven, so starting it slightly firm prevents a mushy texture.

3. Can I make baked ziti without meat?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the meat or replace it with mushrooms, spinach, or plant-based crumbles. The creamy cheese mixture still gives the dish richness and flavor.

4. How do I keep my baked ziti from drying out?
Make sure you use enough sauce and cover the dish with foil during the first half of baking. Removing the foil at the end helps achieve a bubbly, golden top while keeping the inside creamy.

5. Can I prepare baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10–15 minutes to account for the cold start.

6. Does baked ziti freeze well?
It freezes great. Wrap it tightly and freeze up to three months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

Creamy Oven-Baked Ziti is the kind of comfort food that always brings people back for seconds. With tender pasta, a rich tomato-cream sauce, and layers of melted cheese, it’s a dish that feels luxurious without requiring complicated steps. Whether you make it with ground beef, sausage, or keep it vegetarian, the flavors blend beautifully as everything bakes together into a warm, cheesy, oven-finished casserole. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. Simple, satisfying, and endlessly comforting—this baked ziti is a recipe you’ll rely on again and again.

Recipe Card – Creamy Oven-Baked Ziti

Author: Isaac Blogger
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8

Before You Begin

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease the baking dish. Cooking time and results may vary depending on oven temperature, pasta brand, and sauce thickness, so use visual cues along with stated time ranges.

Ingredients

Pasta & Protein

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

Aromatics & Tomato Base

• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 jars (24–26 oz each) marinara sauce
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheesy Filling

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup grated Parmesan

Instructions

Step 1 — Heat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F and grease your baking dish.

Step 2 — Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta until al dente.
Visual cue: Pasta should look firm in the center and hold shape.
Drain and set aside.

Step 3 — Brown the Meat
Cook ground beef or sausage in a skillet until browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 4 — Add Aromatics
Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent.
Stir in garlic, basil, and oregano and cook 1–2 minutes, avoiding browning.

Step 5 — Build the Sauce
Add marinara sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.

Step 6 — Prepare Ricotta Layer
Mix ricotta and egg until smooth.

Step 7 — Layer the Dish
Layer pasta, ricotta, sauce, and cheese. Repeat layers.

Step 8 — Top With Cheese
Add a final layer of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 9 — Bake
Cover with foil and bake 25–30 minutes.
Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 10 — Rest Before Serving
Let rest 10 minutes so layers set.
Visual cue: Slices should hold shape when lifted.

Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)

Calories: 430
Protein: 28g
Fat: 19g
Carbs: 40g
Sodium: 690mg

Nutrition Disclaimer:
Values are estimates and vary based on brands, substitutions, measurements, and portion size.