Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked ziti is everything you love about pasta—creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s a one-pan meal that requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor. The richness of the ricotta and the gooey mozzarella blend perfectly with the savory pasta sauce. It’s a dish that works well for a weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Plus, it’s a great option for vegetarians who don’t want to sacrifice flavor.

Ingredients

16 oz ziti
1 24 oz jar of pasta sauce (about 3 cups)
15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups)
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup grated pecorino romano cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of cooking spray or olive oil.
Cook the ziti according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and half of the grated pecorino romano cheese. Mix until well combined.
Add the cooked ziti to the cheese mixture and stir to coat the pasta evenly.
Pour half of the pasta sauce into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out to cover the bottom.
Layer the ziti and cheese mixture over the sauce. Pour the remaining pasta sauce on top and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining pecorino romano cheese on top of the sauce.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

Add vegetables: You can add sautéed vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the pasta mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use different cheese: Swap the mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different flavor. You can also try using a dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella to make the dish vegan.
Spicy baked ziti: Add red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce to give the dish a bit of heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can cover it with foil to keep it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the baked ziti up to the point of baking and store it in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. When you’re ready, simply bake it according to the recipe instructions.

2. Can I freeze the baked ziti?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While ziti is traditional for this dish, you can use any type of pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni.

4. What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

If you don’t have ricotta, you can substitute with cottage cheese, mascarpone, or cream cheese. For a dairy-free option, look for plant-based ricotta.

5. How do I know when the baked ziti is done?

The ziti is done when the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the sauce is heated through. You can also check by inserting a knife in the center to ensure it’s hot all the way through.

6. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy marinara sauce to give the dish a little extra heat.

7. Can I use part-skim ricotta?

Yes, part-skim ricotta will work just fine in this recipe, but the dish may not be as creamy as with full-fat ricotta.

8. Can I use fresh mozzarella?

Fresh mozzarella can be used, but it will release more moisture than shredded mozzarella. Make sure to drain it well before adding it to the mixture to avoid a watery dish.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, this recipe contains regular pasta, but you can use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option.

10. Can I add meat to this recipe?

Yes! If you prefer a meat version, you can add cooked ground beef, turkey, or sausage to the pasta mixture for extra protein.

Conclusion

This Easy Meatless Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella is the perfect dish for anyone who loves cheesy, comforting pasta. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit!