Three-cheese baked ziti—layered with ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan—is a simple, six-ingredient dish that comes together in about 29 minutes. It’s a comforting, family-friendly weeknight meal that’s both quick and satisfying.
This three-cheese baked ziti was inspired by a favorite ricotta-topped pizza from a local pizzeria. The ricotta adds a creamy contrast to melted mozzarella and nutty parmesan, creating a rich texture that transforms a basic pasta bake into something special. The recipe is forgiving and easy to adapt—use your favorite jarred spaghetti sauce or a quick homemade marinara for the base.
How to make it
To prepare this comforting baked ziti, cook the pasta until just tender, toss it with generous amounts of your preferred spaghetti sauce, then transfer everything to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Top the sauced pasta with shredded mozzarella and finely shredded parmesan, then add spoonfuls of ricotta across the surface. Finish with a light sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a fragrant herb note. Bake uncovered at high heat so the cheeses melt and bubble in about 15 minutes.
If ziti isn’t available, penne works very well and offers the same sturdy tubular texture that holds sauce. For a meaty version, brown and season Italian sausage or ground beef, drain excess fat, then stir the cooked meat into the sauce before combining with the pasta and cheeses.
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need to cover baked ziti? For this quick recipe, bake uncovered so the cheeses are exposed to direct heat and melt quickly into a bubbly, golden topping.
- How do you reheat baked ziti? Reheat covered with foil at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to warm through without drying out. Covering helps retain moisture and prevents the top from over-browning.
- Can baked ziti be prepared ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the pasta and sauce in the baking dish, top with cheeses, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to three days. If baking straight from the fridge, add about 10 extra minutes to the bake time and keep the dish covered for that initial extra time; uncover for the final 15 minutes so the top browns nicely.
Tools & pantry items for this recipe
- Casserole dish: 9 x 13 inches (glass or ceramic recommended)
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining
- Pasta: ziti is traditional; penne is a good substitute
- Italian seasoning or a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme
More 29-minute meals
If you enjoy quick Italian-style dinners, consider these other easy, nearly 30-minute recipes: One Pot Shrimp Piccata Pasta; Easy Italian Shrimp & Polenta; One Pot Ravioli with Creamy Pesto Sauce & Sausage; Roasted Red Pepper Turkey Bolognese; Bruschetta Chicken Parmesan.
Three Cheese Baked Ziti
Three-cheese baked ziti with ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan—simple, cheesy, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Servings: 4 people
Prep Time: 14 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 29 minutes
Author: Whitney Bond
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) package ziti pasta
- 4 cups spaghetti sauce (use your favorite jarred sauce or a quick homemade marinara)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 8 oz ricotta cheese (for dolloping on top)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook for about 9 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Toss the cooked ziti with the spaghetti sauce until evenly coated. Transfer the sauced pasta to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Top the pasta with shredded mozzarella and parmesan. Spoon dollops of ricotta across the surface, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, until the cheeses are melted and bubbly. If you prefer a browned top, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving so it sets slightly and is easier to portion.
Notes & Variations
- Meat option: Brown 1 pound of Italian sausage or ground beef, drain, and add to the sauce before combining with pasta.
- Vegetable boost: Stir in sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Bake from chilled, adding about 10 minutes to the covered baking time before uncovering for the final 15 minutes.
- Cheese substitutions: Swap part of the ricotta for mascarpone for a silkier finish, or add a sprinkle of pecorino for sharper flavor.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 426 kcal
Carbohydrates: 17 g
Protein: 31 g
Fat: 27 g (Saturated Fat: 16 g)
Cholesterol: 90 mg
Sodium: 2083 mg
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 11 g
Calcium: 736 mg