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Baked ziti with bubbling mozzarella cheese and sauce-filled pasta tubes.

Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

This cheesy baked ziti is rich, filling, and built for comfort. The magic lies in how the pasta shape and layered cheese trap sauce in every bite, creating a creamy, baked dish that tastes like it took hours—but comes together fast and under budget.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Baked Pasta, Family Dinner
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 6 people
Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9×13-inch baking dish For layering and baking.
  • 1 Large Stockpot: To boil the ziti.
  • 1 Large mixing bowl To combine the pasta, sauce, and ricotta.

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz ziti pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic optional
  • Salt pepper, Italian seasoning

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Boil ziti until just under al dente (firm in the center). Drain.
  • Mix pasta with marinara, garlic, and seasoning.
  • Layer half the pasta in a baking dish. Add ricotta and mozzarella.
  • Add remaining pasta and top with more mozzarella.
  • Bake 25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

The video is provided as a helpful guide and does not represent our recipe.
Keyword cheesy baked ziti, Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe