Baked Ziti (Classic Italian-American Baked Ziti Recipe)
Baked Ziti: The Ultimate Italian-American Comfort Dish
Baked Ziti is one of those dishes that shows up at every great Italian-American table.
Pasta tossed in tomato sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmigiano, then baked until bubbling and golden — it’s simple, comforting, and always a crowd favorite.
It’s the kind of dish you make for family dinners, holidays, or anytime you need something that feels like home.
And once it comes out of the oven, it doesn’t last long.
Baked Ziti
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the butter, then add the passata and fresh basil. Let the sauce simmer gently for 20–25 minutes.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta with the tomato sauce, ricotta, and ½ cup Parmigiano Reggiano. Mix until well combined.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Add half of the pasta mixture. Top with ⅓ of the mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmigiano.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture, then finish with the remaining mozzarella and more Parmigiano.
- Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 25–30 minutes, until bubbling and golden on top.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Baked Ziti Questions
What is the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?
Baked ziti is made by mixing pasta with sauce and cheese, while lasagna is layered with sheets of pasta, ricotta, meat, and sauce.
Can baked ziti be made ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can baked ziti be frozen?
Yes. Baked ziti freezes well before or after baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months.
Do you need to use ricotta in baked ziti?
Ricotta is traditional and adds creaminess, but some variations use béchamel instead.
