Baked Ziti
Baked Ziti That Feels Like a Warm Hug in a Dish
Okay babe, picture this. It’s a cozy night in, the kind where your socks are fuzzy, your playlist is giving comfort vibes, and your stomach is whispering, “Feed me pasta.” That’s when baked ziti steps in like the hero it is. Cheesy, saucy, bubbly, golden perfection straight out of the oven. One forkful and you’ll be like, Whoa, I made this?! Yes girl, yes you did.
Why I Love This Baked Ziti Recipe
Here’s the thing: baked ziti is drama-free but tastes like you’ve been cooking all day. It’s hearty enough for family dinner, impressive enough for guests, and let’s be real — leftovers taste even better at midnight straight from the fridge.
The layers are everything. Perfectly cooked pasta hugged in a rich tomato sauce, with creamy cheese pockets and that golden, crispy top. It’s like lasagna’s chill cousin who shows up in sweats but still slays the party.
Plus, it’s flexible. Want it meaty? Done. Vegetarian? Easy. Spicy? Just add chili flakes, babe. It adapts to whatever mood you’re in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baked Ziti Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta (or penne if that’s what’s in your pantry)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
- 1 jar (about 24 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated parmesan
Optional Decorations
- Fresh basil leaves for that fancy touch
- Extra parmesan sprinkled on top
- A drizzle of olive oil before serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil the ziti in salted water until just al dente. Don’t overcook — the pasta will keep cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce
In a big pan, heat olive oil. Sauté onion until soft, then toss in garlic. Add the ground beef or chicken and cook until browned. Pour in your tomato sauce, sprinkle in oregano, basil, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10–15 minutes until the flavors get cozy with each other.
3. Mix It Up
In a big bowl, combine the cooked pasta with most of the sauce (save a little for later). Toss in half the mozzarella and half the parmesan. Give it a mix until everything’s coated and cheesy.
4. Layer Like a Pro
In a greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of the reserved sauce. Add half the pasta mixture, dollop ricotta cheese all over, then layer the rest of the pasta. Top with remaining sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan. Admire your masterpiece — this is edible art.
5. Bake Until Bubbly
Pop it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and calling your name. Pro tip: if you like that crispy cheese top, broil it for 2–3 minutes at the end.
6. Serve & Swoon
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before diving in (hardest part, I know). Garnish with fresh basil and grab your fork. This is comfort food royalty.
Tips for the Perfect Baked Ziti
- Cook your pasta al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy.
- Mix some sauce directly with the pasta before layering — it keeps everything juicy.
- Don’t skimp on cheese. This is not the time for restraint, babe.
- Let it rest after baking so the layers can set.
Variations You’ll Love
- Cheesy Overload: Add provolone or fontina for an extra melty vibe.
- Spicy Twist: Swap in spicy ground chicken sausage for a fiery kick.
- Veggie Style: Add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce. Extra veggies, extra flavor.
- Mini Portions: Make it in individual ramekins for cute dinner party vibes.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this baked ziti with:
- A crisp green salad with balsamic dressing
- Garlic bread (extra buttery, please)
- Sparkling water with lemon or a chilled iced tea
- And if you’re feeling fancy? A little tiramisu or fruit sorbet for dessert
Girl, this baked ziti is not just dinner. It’s a mood, it’s a hug, it’s a “yes, I’m thriving” kind of moment. So grab your dish, make it bubbly and golden, and let the cozy vibes take over.
Love you long time,
Maria
Baked Ziti
Ingredients
Baked Ziti Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta or penne if that’s what’s in your pantry
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
- 1 jar about 24 oz tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red chili flakes optional, for a little kick
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated parmesan
Optional Decorations
- Fresh basil leaves for that fancy touch
- Extra parmesan sprinkled on top
- A drizzle of olive oil before serving
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Boil the ziti in salted water until just al dente. Don’t overcook — the pasta will keep cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce
- In a big pan, heat olive oil. Sauté onion until soft, then toss in garlic. Add the ground beef or chicken and cook until browned. Pour in your tomato sauce, sprinkle in oregano, basil, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10–15 minutes until the flavors get cozy with each other.
Mix It Up
- In a big bowl, combine the cooked pasta with most of the sauce (save a little for later). Toss in half the mozzarella and half the parmesan. Give it a mix until everything’s coated and cheesy.
Layer Like a Pro
- In a greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of the reserved sauce. Add half the pasta mixture, dollop ricotta cheese all over, then layer the rest of the pasta. Top with remaining sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan. Admire your masterpiece — this is edible art.
Bake Until Bubbly
- Pop it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and calling your name. Pro tip: if you like that crispy cheese top, broil it for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Serve & Swoon
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before diving in (hardest part, I know). Garnish with fresh basil and grab your fork. This is comfort food royalty.
Notes
- You can swap ziti for penne or rigatoni—same vibes, different shape.
- For extra flavor, mix Italian sausage with ground beef.
- Add a layer of ricotta or cottage cheese for creaminess.
- Can be made ahead: assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezer-friendly: bake, cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Serve with garlic bread and a simple green salad to complete the meal.
