Baked Ziti Italian Casserole

The first time I discovered baked ziti, it was at a cozy family gathering where everyone was craving something warm and comforting. The way the cheese melted perfectly into the tomato sauce felt like a hug from the inside.

I remember the first time unexpected guests dropped by and I threw together baked ziti with whatever I had on hand, and it turned out so good I felt like a kitchen magician!

Ingredients

• Ziti Pasta: I reach for ziti because its hollow shape catches the sauce nicely but penne or rigatoni work well too
• Olive Oil: Use good quality olive oil for the base flavor, it really wakes up the sauce
• Crushed Tomatoes: Opt for canned crushed tomatoes for a rich texture that simmers down beautifully
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and fresh, it adds softness and ties the cheese layers together
• Mozzarella: Look for shredded mozzarella that melts easily, giving that perfect golden top
• Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan for a punch of umami
• Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh parsley or basil brightens the whole dish at the end

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:

Preheat your oven and grease your baking dish; hearing the sizzle of olive oil as you sauté onions gets your senses going.

Cook the Pasta:

Boil the ziti until just al dente — it should still have a little bite since it will cook more in the oven.

Make the Sauce:

Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent, then stir in tomatoes and herbs, letting the sauce simmer until it thickens to a rich, deep red.

Mix the Cheesy Goodness:

Combine ricotta with egg, half the mozzarella and parmesan, and herbs; the texture becomes creamy and smooth like a pillow ready for pasta.

Layer It Up:

Spread sauce, pasta, ricotta mixture, then repeat — this layering builds flavors that are cozy and comforting.

Bake to Perfection:

Cover with foil and bake until bubbly, remove foil and bake until golden — the smells filling your kitchen are absolutely irresistible.

Rest and Serve:

Let it cool slightly, then garnish with fresh herbs for a final burst of freshness before diving in.

Save

This dish became more than just food when I served it at a holiday dinner — it turned into a symbol of togetherness and warmth that everyone still talks about years later.

Keeping It Fresh

Using fresh herbs at the end adds a pop of color and flavor, turning a hearty bake into something that feels vibrant and alive with every forkful.

When You're Missing Something

If you don’t have ricotta handy, cottage cheese or even cream cheese can be decent substitutes, though the texture changes slightly towards creamier.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

I love pairing this baked ziti with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to balance the richness.

• Always keep extra shredded mozzarella on hand to sprinkle before serving for a fresh melt
• Don’t forget to preheat your oven — it makes all the difference for baking times
• Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave, perfect for next-day meals

Save

Thanks for hanging out in the kitchen with me — I hope your baked ziti becomes a new comfort food favorite for you and yours.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What pasta works best for this baked dish?

Ziti pasta is traditional, but penne or rigatoni can be substituted for similar texture and shape, holding sauce well.

→ Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the tomato sauce with onions, garlic, and herbs can be made in advance and refrigerated to enhance flavors.

→ How do I achieve a creamy cheese layer?

Mix ricotta with egg, some Parmesan, mozzarella, and fresh herbs before layering; this blend creates a rich, creamy texture.

→ What baking temperature and time is recommended?

Bake covered at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

→ Can this dish accommodate dietary preferences?

For a meat option, add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the sauce. Gluten-free pasta can replace regular pasta for gluten sensitivities.