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This image shows a rectangle baking dish filled with perfectly baked zucchini boats stuffed with pasta and topped with bubbling golden parmesan cheese.

Baked Ziti Recipe

This hearty baked ziti is layered with tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy sour cream, and a trio of gooey cheeses. Baked until golden and bubbling, it's the perfect comfort dish for any family dinner or potluck gathering—simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 10 people
Calories 473 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Slotted spoon or regular spoon
  • Large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Metal colander
  • Measuring cups
  • Oven mitts

Ingredients
  

  • 32 oz spaghetti sauce
  • 16 oz mozzarella cheese
  • 16 oz uncooked ziti pasta
  • 1 large egg 
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions, but remove it from heat 2–3 minutes earlier than indicated.
    This image shows penne pasta being cooked in a large pot of salted boiling water until just shy of al dente.
  • While the pasta cooks, preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, parmesan cheese, half the mozzarella, and the spaghetti sauce.
    This image shows a creamy cheese sauce being whisked together in a saucepan with parmesan, milk, and butter.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste—adjusting based on how flavorful your spaghetti sauce is.
  • Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it directly to the bowl with the cheese and sauce mixture and stir until well combined.
    This image shows salt being sprinkled and freshly cracked black pepper being added into the cheesy pasta mixture for flavor.
  • Transfer everything to a 9x13” baking dish and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, along with additional parmesan if you like.
    This image shows the cooked pasta being gently stirred into the cheesy mixture until well coated.
  • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  • After that, uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is golden brown and the ziti is bubbling.
  • Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow everything to set.
    This image shows the zucchini boats bubbling hot in the oven, with golden, crisp cheese melted perfectly over the top.

Notes

  • Undercooking the pasta slightly prevents it from becoming mushy during baking.
  • Mixing the pasta while it’s still warm helps melt the cheese slightly and blend the flavors better.
  • Use a high-quality spaghetti sauce or homemade for the best flavor.