Best-Best Baked Ziti
A rich, creamy baked pasta dish with tender ziti noodles, melted mozzarella, and a golden Parmesan crust. This italian-inspired sheet pan ready in about 45 minutes pairs ziti pasta, whole milk, heavy cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup, cubed mozzarella cheese
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix cooked ziti with milk, heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until fully combined. Fold in mozzarella cubes gently.
- Step 3: Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Press the top with a little extra Parmesan, then bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best-Best Baked Ziti take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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-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-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-Best Baked Ziti for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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-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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this best-best are incredible.
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order italian delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
