Grandma’s Secret Cheesy Easy Baked Ziti Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort food reaches new heights with this cheesy baked ziti that promises pure culinary delight.

Layers of pasta, rich sauce, and melted cheese create a symphony of flavors guaranteed to satisfy.

Ziti noodles nestle perfectly between robust marinara and creamy ricotta, creating a mouthwatering dish.

Each forkful brings warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table.

The combination of simple ingredients transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this irresistible pasta classic.

Why Everyone Loves Cheesy Baked Ziti

• Simplify Cooking: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this ziti a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring stress-free meal preparation.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with gooey mozzarella and creamy ricotta, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that sparks smiles around the dinner table.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for casual weeknight dinners, potlucks, or unexpected gatherings, this cheesy ziti transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that satisfies diverse tastes.
• One-Dish Dish: Combines pasta, sauce, and cheese in a single baking dish, minimizing cleanup and maximizing deliciousness with minimal kitchen effort.

What You’ll Need for Easy Baked Ziti

• Ziti Noodles: Classic pasta with a smooth and tubular shape.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Soft, stretchy cheese that melts beautifully.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild Italian cheese with a smooth texture.

• Pasta Sauce, Salt, Nonstick Cooking Spray: Kitchen staples for adding flavor and preventing sticking.

How to Bake Ziti With Gooey Cheese

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by setting the temperature to 350°F.

This will ensure your ziti bakes perfectly and creates a delicious golden crust.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Grab a large pot and fill it with water.

Sprinkle in some salt and bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop in the ziti and cook according to the package directions.

Once done, drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Cheese Blend

• Mozzarella cheese (half the amount)
• Ricotta cheese
• Pasta sauce

Stir everything together until you have a smooth, dreamy mixture that looks absolutely irresistible.

Step 4: Marry the Pasta and Cheese

Pour the cheese blend over the cooked ziti.

Gently toss and stir until every single noodle is completely coated with the cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grab a large baking dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Spread the pasta mixture evenly across the dish, making sure it’s distributed nicely.

Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta.

Make sure it covers the entire surface for maximum cheesy deliciousness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

For an extra golden finish, pop it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the ziti out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to serve.

Scoop out generous portions and savor every cheesy bite!

Tips for a Rich, Flavorful Ziti Bake

• Use gluten-free, whole wheat, or alternative pasta like penne or rigatoni for unique textures and dietary needs.
• Add Italian sausage, ground beef, or sautéed mushrooms to enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Reserve some pasta water to mix with sauce, ensuring a creamy and moist final result that isn't too dry or clumpy.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding parmesan, provolone, or fontina for more complex and rich cheese flavors.
• Prepare the entire dish in advance, cover with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking for convenient meal planning.

Reheating and Storing Baked Ziti

• Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water to prevent dryness.
• Warm refrigerated ziti in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes for a crispy cheese top.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Delicious Sides for Ziti Night

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the ziti's rich, cheesy flavors and cut through the creaminess.
• Serve with Crisp Caesar Salad: Balance the heavy pasta dish with a light, tangy Caesar salad featuring fresh romaine, parmesan shavings, and zesty dressing to provide a refreshing contrast.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped basil or oregano on top of the baked ziti to add a bright, aromatic element that enhances the overall taste and provides a fresh visual appeal.
• Offer Garlic Bread Sidekick: Prepare warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce and provide a crunchy texture that perfectly complements the soft, cheesy pasta.

Ways to Switch Up Classic Baked Ziti

• Gluten-Free Ziti: Replace regular ziti pasta with gluten-free penne or ziti made from rice, corn, or quinoa flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Swap meat sauce with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, lentils, or vegetarian ground meat alternatives to create a hearty meatless version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Ziti: Substitute traditional pasta with roasted cauliflower florets or cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the cheesy, saucy essence.
• Spicy Mediterranean Style: Add red pepper flakes, chopped kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to introduce a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile with a kick of heat.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ziti with other short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or mostaccioli. These similar tube-shaped pastas work perfectly and will create the same delicious result.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply use a vegetarian pasta sauce and skip any meat ingredients. The cheese and pasta will still provide a rich, satisfying meal.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Try using whole wheat pasta, part-skim mozzarella, and low-fat ricotta cheese. You can also add some vegetables like spinach or zucchini to increase the nutritional value.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the ziti in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it directly from the refrigerator.

Cheesy Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy, hearty cheesy easy baked ziti brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen with layers of melted cheese and rich marinara. Pasta lovers will savor this classic casserole that promises warmth and satisfaction in every delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins and Dairy:

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese

Pasta Base:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ziti noodles

Sauce:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) pasta sauce (your favorite variety)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Ignite the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C), creating the perfect culinary environment for your ziti creation.
2. Fill a substantial cooking vessel with water, liberally season with salt, and immerse ziti noodles until they reach al dente perfection. Drain thoroughly and return pasta to its original container.
3. Craft a luscious cheese amalgamation by blending half the mozzarella, entire ricotta quantity, and pasta sauce into a harmonious mixture. Stir until the texture becomes uniformly creamy and inviting.
4. Gently fold the cooked ziti into the cheese and sauce concoction, ensuring each noodle becomes thoroughly enrobed with the rich, velvety coating.
5. Prepare a spacious baking vessel with nonstick spray, then meticulously distribute the pasta mixture, creating an even landscape of deliciousness.
6. Generously cascade the remaining mozzarella across the pasta’s surface, covering every inch with a potential golden-cheese blanket.
7. Slide the assembled dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for approximately 20 minutes. For those desiring a caramelized cheese crown, activate the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
8. Extract the bubbling masterpiece, permitting it to rest and settle for 5 minutes before serving. Slice and present this comforting culinary creation while still radiating warmth.

Notes

• Customize sauce intensity by selecting marinara, arrabbiata, or vodka sauce for different flavor profiles.
• Replace traditional pasta with gluten-free ziti or whole wheat varieties to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Enhance protein content by adding cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or plant-based crumbles during cheese mixture preparation.
• Create a lighter version by using part-skim mozzarella and ricotta cheese, reducing overall calorie and fat content without sacrificing taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 532
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg