By: Becky Hardin
This post may include affiliate links that earn us a small commission from your purchases at no extra cost to you.
Baked Ziti is a simple and delicious baked pasta dish that never fails to please. This easy baked ziti recipe is extra creamy and cheesy thanks to our secret ingredient. Everything bakes together into something so tasty, no one will be able to resist. It will be the new family favorite for weeknight dinners!
Table of Contents
What’s in Easy Baked Ziti
This baked pasta is so simple. There’s just a few ingredients (pasta, sauce, cheese, check!) and a few steps between you and a creamy, cheesy dinner!
- Ziti Pasta: Cook the ziti al dente before adding it into the casserole. You can use penne or another tube shaped pasta instead if that’s what you have on hand.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jar of sauce, or make this homemade marinara sauce.
- Cream Cheese: This is my secret ingredient that adds a deliciously cheesy and creamy texture to the ziti. Let it soften before mixing into the sauce.
- Cheese: A mix of mozzarella and Parmesan is perfect. Freshly shredded and grated cheese will melt best.
- Basil: Fresh basil adds the perfect flavor. You could also mix in thyme, oregano, or any herbs you like.
You might have noticed there’s no ricotta cheese in this baked ziti recipe. In my experience, cream cheese makes a better substitute because it is so creamy!
Can I add meat to this baked ziti recipe?
This is a meatless ziti recipe, but it’s really easy to add meat if you prefer. Follow the recipe as is, and mix in Italian sausage, ground beef, or ground chicken (brown the meat before adding it in).
Or you can use your favorite meat sauce in place of the marinara (try this spaghetti sauce). It’s really easy to cook ground beef to mix in with the marinara, and then mix that into the pasta.
Meat or no meat, this is the best baked ziti and everyone will love it!
Email This Recipe
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Cookie Rookie.
Should I cover ziti while it bakes?
Bake it covered for the first 30 minutes, then finish baking uncovered.
Can I use meat sauce instead of marinara?
Yes! If you prefer, substitute meat sauce in place of the marinara.
What does al dente mean?
Cooking the pasta al dente means just until it starts to soften, but still firm to the bite. You don’t want it to be too soft since it will cook in the casserole.
How long do you bake ziti?
It will bake for a total of around 45 minutes.
How do you keep baked ziti from drying out?
The layering of pasta, sauce, and cheese will keep the pasta from drying out in the oven. Keeping it covered for the first part of baking helps too!
Can I make ziti in a crockpot?
Yes! If you prefer to use a slow cooker instead of the oven, follow the instructions for this Crockpot Baked Ziti recipe.
How to Make Ahead and Store Ziti
To Make it Ahead of Time: Follow the recipe as is through Step 7; assemble everything in the baking dish, but stop before baking. Instead, cover the ziti in the casserole dish and refrigerate up to 2 days or freeze for 2 months.
When ready to bake, let it sit out while the oven preheats (fully thaw if frozen). Then just follow the rest of the baking instructions. Cover and bake 30 minutes at 375°F, then bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes.
To Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container, and keep in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
How to Freeze Baked Pasta
This pasta makes a great freezer meal! Freeze the unbaked casserole as instructed above if you are making it ahead of time. Or freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
What to Serve with Creamy Baked Ziti
This cheesy pasta dish is a family favorite for weeknight meals. It’s best served with some garlic bread or these Olive Garden style breadsticks. You can also start with a Chicken Caesar Salad, or add zucchini au gratin.
If you make this recipe be sure to upload a photo in the comment section below or leave a rating. Enjoy! You can also jump to recipe.
Recipe
Easy Creamy Baked Ziti Recipe
4.57 from 548 votes
Author: Becky Hardin
Prep: 15 minutes minutes
Cook: 50 minutes minutes
Total: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes
Serves8
Print Rate
Save Shop our store
Ziti, lots of cheese, and marinara sauce make for the best baked ziti! Make this baked pasta with or without meat, either way it's delicious.
Email This Recipe
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Cookie Rookie.
Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked ziti
- 1 32 ounce jar Marinara sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese 1 package softened
- 16 ounces shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
Heat oven to 375°F and spray an 11×9-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large saucepan, cook the pasta according to package instructions (al dente/no salt), and drain.
1 pound uncooked ziti
In the same large saucepan set over medium heat, cook the marinara sauce and cream cheese together until the cheese melts. Stir often.
1 32 ounce jar Marinara sauce, 8 ounces cream cheese
Add the pasta to the marinara/cheese sauce and mix well.
Pour half the marinara/cheese/ziti sauce in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan cheeses.
16 ounces shredded mozzarella, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sprinkle the cheeses with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil.
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Layer the remaining marinara/cheese/ziti sauce over the cheese and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover and bake at 375° for 30 minutes.
Remove the cover and bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until the baked ziti is bubbly and cheese is golden.
Garnish with the remaining chopped basil and serve with toasted baguette.
Enjoy!
Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!
Becky’s tips
- To add meat: brown ground beef, Italian sausage, or preferred meat, then mix into the marinara.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 days, or the freezer for 2 months.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 531kcal (27%) Carbohydrates: 51g (17%) Protein: 25g (50%) Fat: 25g (38%) Saturated Fat: 14g (88%) Cholesterol: 81mg (27%) Sodium: 1139mg (50%) Potassium: 591mg (17%) Fiber: 3g (13%) Sugar: 7g (8%) Vitamin A: 1350IU (27%) Vitamin C: 8.1mg (10%) Calcium: 411mg (41%) Iron: 2.3mg (13%)
Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!
Upload A PhotoTag on
InstaLeave A Rating
More Baked Pasta Recipes We Love
- Baked Spaghetti
- Baked Parmesan Pasta
- Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
- Baked Mostaccioli
- Baked Feta Pasta
- Spinach Stuffed Shells
- Creamy Chicken Spaghetti
- Pesto Baked Rigatoni
- White Chicken Lasagna
- Caprese Pasta Bake
- Cheesy Bacon Gnocchi Bake
Claim your free ebook!
Subscribe to have posts delivered straight to your inbox!! PLUS get our FREE ebook!
