Best Baked Ziti

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty Italian dish with layers of pasta, marinara, and ricotta, baked to golden perfection. This italian-inspired sheet pan ready in about 70 minutes pairs ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 30 min Serves 8 Italian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, basil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Step 3: In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread 1 cup marinara sauce. Layer half the pasta, followed by half the ricotta mixture, then 2 cups marinara sauce.
  4. Step 4: Repeat layers: pasta, ricotta, and marinara. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Drizzle with olive oil.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Best Baked Ziti take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (40 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Best Baked Ziti?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ziti pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best Baked Ziti?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Best Baked Ziti for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Best Baked Ziti?

Italian sheet pan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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