Go Back
Kima

Baked Ziti

This easy Baked Ziti combines tender pasta with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, spaghetti sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Baked until hot, bubbly, and golden, it is a comforting family-style pasta dinner perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Baked Ziti
  • ziti pasta quantity not specified in the original recipe
  • salt a pinch for the pasta water
  • ricotta cheese quantity not specified
  • mozzarella cheese quantity not specified
  • egg beaten; quantity not specified
  • 1 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce for mixing with the pasta
  • additional spaghetti sauce for topping; quantity not specified
  • Parmesan cheese grated; quantity not specified
  • nonstick cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups

Method
 

Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
Cook the Ziti
  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil.
  2. Add the ziti pasta and cook for approximately 8–10 minutes, or until al dente.
  3. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Prepare the Pasta Mixture
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, beaten egg, and 1 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce.
  2. Stir gently until the pasta is evenly coated and the cheeses, egg, and sauce are well distributed.
Assemble the Baked Ziti
  1. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
  2. Spoon the remaining spaghetti sauce evenly over the pasta.
  3. Sprinkle the top evenly with grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake and Rest
  1. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, the cheese is completely melted, and the top is lightly golden brown.
  2. Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes the pasta easier to portion.

Notes

  • Missing quantities: The original recipe does not specify quantities for the ziti pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, egg, Parmesan, or total amount of spaghetti sauce. These amounts have intentionally been left blank instead of estimated.
  • Total time: The source lists 45 minutes, but the instructions also require a 15-minute rest after baking. Including that rest, the actual total time is approximately 60 minutes.
  • Pasta: Cook the ziti only until al dente because it will continue cooking in the oven.
  • Sauce: The recipe specifies 1 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce for mixing into the pasta, plus additional sauce for the top.
  • Resting: Let the casserole rest for 15 minutes after baking so it firms slightly and portions more cleanly.
  • Storage: Refrigerate cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the baking dish and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
  • Freezing: Baked ziti may be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.