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Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses – Family Recipes for Dinner

Okay, I have to confess: this baked ziti is basically my ultimate comfort food. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you up in a warm, cheesy hug the moment it comes out of the oven. Growing up, my mom would make this on chilly weekend nights, and the house would fill with the smell of garlic, tomato, and melting mozzarella—pure happiness. The best part? The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan creates this perfectly creamy, slightly tangy, cheesy sauce that’s just irresistible. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to throw together but feels so special, you’ve landed in the right spot. I’ll show you exactly how to get that golden, bubbly top every time!

Quick Facts

Yield: Serves 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

12 ounces ziti pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

How I Make It

Step 1:

First things first, cook your ziti pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente—about 2 minutes less than package directions. You want a little bite because it’ll keep cooking in the oven. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to keep it from sticking.

Step 2:

While your pasta is cooking, heat that tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds—don’t let it brown or it gets bitter! Then stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to marry all the flavors.

Step 3:

In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti with about 2 cups of your sauce. Then gently fold in the ricotta cheese—this is the moment your dish starts to get that creamy texture everyone loves.

Step 4:

Transfer half the ziti mixture into a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half the mozzarella and parmesan over the noodles.

Step 5:

Layer the remaining ziti mixture on top and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan. This layering helps build that gooey cheese crust we’re all craving.

Step 6:

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes to brown the cheese. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving so the cheese sets slightly.

Variations & Tips

Add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the sauce for a meaty twist.
Swap out ziti for penne or rigatoni—the shape helps hold the sauce beautifully.
Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier melt, but reduce the amount slightly as it’s wetter.
For extra texture, sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking.
If your sauce feels too thick, thin it out with a splash of pasta water—always save some!

How I Like to Serve It

This baked ziti shines on cozy weeknights served with a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. It’s also fantastic at potlucks or family gatherings, paired with crusty garlic bread and a glass of red wine. When you want a quick weeknight meal that fills the house with love and the smell of home, this is your go-to dish.

Notes

Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.
If you want to prepare ahead, assemble the dish and refrigerate before baking; add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if baking cold.

Closing: I swear, this baked ziti always hits the spot because it’s cheesy, comforting, and just downright delicious every single time.