There is something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy pasta bake that just melts away the worries of the day. This Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe is the perfect example—a luscious combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses layered with tender pasta and robust marinara sauce, all baked to golden, bubbling perfection. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a special gathering, this dish brings simple ingredients together in a way that feels both timeless and completely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe truly shine. Each component plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color, making the dish hearty and visually appealing.
- 1 pound ziti pasta: The classic tubular pasta that holds onto sauce beautifully for every cheesy bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps gently sauté garlic for depth in flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Brings aromatic warmth that enhances the sauce.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce: Provides a tangy tomato base with herbs, tying the whole dish together.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creamy softness, balancing the sharpness of other cheeses.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Gives gooey stretchiness and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, savory punch and golden crust when baked.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that complements the sauce perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick for balanced seasoning.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): Fresh herbs brighten the dish with color and a burst of freshness.
- Extra mozzarella and Parmesan for topping: Ensures a bubbly, golden cheese crust that’s impossible to resist.
How to Make Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta until it’s al dente according to the package instructions. This means the pasta should be fully cooked but still have a tender firmness when bitten. Drain the pasta well and set it aside while you prepare the sauce. Cooking the pasta just right is essential because it will continue to cook a bit more in the oven, soaking up all those fabulous flavors around it.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, creating a beautiful base of flavor. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let this mixture simmer gently for five minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. Then, remove it from heat to prevent overcooking and bitterness.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Cheeses
Grab a large mixing bowl and toss together the cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and half of the warm marinara sauce. Use a gentle folding motion to coat the pasta and cheeses evenly without breaking up the ricotta too much. This mixture becomes the delightful, creamy heart of your baked ziti.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Transfer the pasta and cheese mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, then sprinkle generously with extra mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover the dish with foil to trap moisture and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbling and golden brown. This two-step bake makes sure your Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe ends with an irresistible crust and creamy interior.
How to Serve Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley are the perfect way to add a pop of color and a fresh, aromatic note that balances the richness of the cheese. Sprinkle them over the dish just before serving to keep their bright flavor intact and elevate the presentation.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. Light side options help balance the richness while adding textural variety to your meal. Think of a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or oven-roasted broccoli with a squeeze of lemon.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe family-style right out of the baking dish for cozy, comforting vibes. Alternatively, plate it individually with a sprig of fresh herb and a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze for an elegant touch. You can even assemble it in small ramekins for a cute, personal portion that’s perfect for entertaining or meal prepping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked ziti keeps very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors continue to deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just be sure to allow leftovers to cool slightly before sealing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can assemble but not bake the casserole and freeze it. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover baked ziti in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes, covered initially to prevent the pasta from drying out. Remove the cover near the end to refresh the cheese topping. For quicker reheating, the microwave works well, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ziti is traditional and ideal for holding sauce, penne or rigatoni work great too. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
Is this Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe vegetarian?
Yes! This recipe uses only cheeses and marinara sauce without any meat. If you prefer, you can easily add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to make it heartier, but it’s delicious as-is.
Can I prepare this dish vegan or dairy-free?
You can swap out the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for plant-based cheese alternatives. Just choose your favorite vegan cheeses that melt well and adjust seasoning to taste. Keep in mind the texture may differ slightly.
How do I prevent the baked ziti from drying out?
Using enough sauce and covering the dish with foil during the first phase of baking helps retain moisture. Also, draining pasta well but not rinsing it ensures the sauce clings properly, keeping everything luscious.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, doubling is simple if you have a larger baking dish. Just keep the ratios the same and extend baking time as needed. Make sure the casserole is heated through and the cheese is bubbly before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe is one of those dishes that invites comfort, warmth, and togetherness. With its creamy cheeses, rich marinara, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough to impress. I hope you fall in love with it as much as I have, making it a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation.
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Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Three Cheese Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort dish featuring tender ziti pasta baked in a rich marinara sauce with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan cheese. It’s a hearty and satisfying vegetarian main course perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- extra mozzarella and Parmesan for topping
Garnish
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the ziti later.
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water and cook the ziti pasta until al dente as per package directions. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the skillet with garlic. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavors. Remove from heat.
- Combine pasta and cheeses: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with ricotta, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and half of the prepared sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- Assemble in the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the pasta mixture into it. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce layer for a golden, bubbly crust.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the baked ziti before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- Add cooked ground beef or sausage to the marinara sauce for a meatier variation.
- This dish freezes well—assemble it before baking and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
