20-Minute Three-Cheese Baked Ziti
Okay, friends, let me tell you—this 20-minute three-cheese baked ziti recipe is my go-to miracle dinner when I want something cheesy, comforting, and FAST. I mean, who has hours to babysit pasta and sauce after a long day? Not me! What’s magical here is that you don’t have to simmer a tomato garden or wait forever for bubbling cheese perfection. Nope, just a quick boil, toss in that creamy cheese trio, and pop it under the broiler for a few minutes. The smell alone will have everyone crowding the kitchen in no time—melty mozzarella, sharp parmesan, and creamy ricotta hugging every bite of that tender ziti. Trust me, this dish nails the “homemade” vibe, but without the fuss.
Quick Facts
- Yield: Serves 4–6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
How I Make It
Step 1:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain well and toss with a splash of olive oil so it doesn’t stick while you prep the rest.
Step 2:
Meanwhile, heat the 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the minced garlic, and sauté for about 45 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Pour in the marinara sauce, stirring to combine and warm through. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta, warm marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Mix gently but thoroughly—each piece of pasta should be luxuriously coated in cheesy sauce.
Step 4:
Transfer the cheesy ziti mixture into a lightly greased 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 5:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top to get that irresistible golden, bubbly crust.
Step 6:
Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 7–10 minutes, or just until the cheese is melted and starting to brown. If you want extra bubbly, pop it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes—but watch closely so it doesn’t burn! Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Variations & Tips
- For a meaty version, add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef when you sauté the garlic.
- If you like spicy, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Use penne or rigatoni if ziti isn’t available—they’re equally great at catching sauce.
- For an extra creamy bite, swirl in some heavy cream to the ricotta mixture.
- Make it gluten-free by swapping regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free brand.
- Leftovers reheat wonderfully in the microwave or oven; just cover with foil to keep it moist.
How I Like to Serve It
This baked ziti shines on chilly weeknights when you crave something warm and cheesy. Pair it with a crisp side salad and garlic bread for a classic Italian-American feast. It’s also fantastic for casual dinner parties—the cheesy top always wins compliments, and it’s easy to double or triple to feed a crowd.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or until warmed through, to keep it from drying out.
Closing: This speedy three-cheese baked ziti is the kind of dish that feels like a big warm hug—cheesy, comforting, and ready before you know it.