Three Cheese Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food—a bubbling, cheesy casserole made with tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a trio of cheeses: ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd, this baked pasta dish is a weeknight hero and a holiday favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and loaded with gooey cheese
- Easy to make ahead and bake when ready
- Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings
- Customizable with or without meat
- Comforting and filling—a true crowd-pleaser
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Sauce & Filling
- Olive oil
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Tomato paste
- Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Italian seasoning or oregano
Pasta & Cheese Layers
- Ziti or penne pasta
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Egg (optional, to bind ricotta mixture)
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Boil ziti in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion until soft. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Stir in crushed tomatoes and herbs; simmer for 20 minutes.
- Prepare cheese mixture: Mix ricotta with egg (if using), salt, pepper, and a bit of parsley or basil.
- Assemble the ziti: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Spread a layer of sauce in a baking dish.
- Add half the cooked pasta.
- Dollop ricotta mixture and spread.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Repeat with remaining pasta, sauce, and cheeses on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Rest and serve: Let sit 5–10 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Add browned sausage, ground beef, or pancetta for a meat version
- Use rigatoni or rotini instead of ziti
- Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the layers
- Try provolone, fontina, or white cheddar for extra cheesy richness
- Make it spicy with extra red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Freeze assembled (unbaked) or fully baked ziti for up to 3 months
- Reheat: Oven at 350°F until heated through; microwave individual portions as needed
FAQs
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese is a good substitute for ricotta and still adds creaminess.
Should the pasta be fully cooked before baking?
No—undercook slightly so it doesn’t get mushy after baking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely—assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for later.
How do I keep the cheese from burning?
Cover with foil during the first half of baking, then uncover to brown.
What’s the best pasta shape for baked ziti?
Ziti is classic, but penne and rigatoni work just as well.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure sauces and seasonings are gluten-free.
Is it vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit meat and use vegetarian-friendly cheeses and sauces.
How do I get a golden top?
Bake uncovered at the end and broil for 2–3 minutes if desired.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes—spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers are great additions.
What sides go with baked ziti?
A green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make perfect sides.
Conclusion
Three Cheese Baked Ziti is the ultimate cozy meal, combining pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a blend of creamy, melty cheeses. It’s easy to make, delicious to eat, and always a hit at the table. Whether you’re cooking for family or prepping a freezer meal, this baked pasta never disappoints.
Print
Three Cheese Baked Ziti
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta bake
- Method: Layered baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting baked ziti layered with three cheeses—ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan—baked in a flavorful marinara until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti (or penne)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (optional, for creamy ricotta layer)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
- Cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg (if using), half the Parmesan, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté garlic in a bit of olive oil until fragrant, then stir into marinara sauce.
- In the baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara.
- Layer half the ziti, dot with half the ricotta mixture, sprinkle with ½ cup mozzarella.
- Add another layer of sauce, then remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and top with remaining sauce.
- Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling.
- If desired, broil 1–2 minutes to brown the top—watch closely.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving; garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Use quality marinara (homemade or store-bought) for best flavor.
- The egg in ricotta adds creaminess but can be skipped for a lighter dish.
- Broiling at the end gives a beautiful golden crust—just a minute or two is enough.
- Make ahead: assemble, refrigerate, and bake within 24 hours—add a few extra minutes to bake.
- Leftovers refrigerate for 3–4 days and reheat well in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg