Cheesy Garlic Baked Ziti
A comforting baked pasta dish with al dente ziti, melted cheese, and a crispy garlic crust. This italian-inspired sheet pan ready in about 50 minutes pairs cooked al dente ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese 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
- 1 lb, cooked al dente ziti pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup, shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix cooked ziti, ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined.
- Step 2: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread 1 tbsp olive oil over the top and sprinkle with fresh basil.
- Step 3: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly, and the edges are crispy. Let cool slightly before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheesy Garlic Baked Ziti take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 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 Cheesy Garlic 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 cooked al dente ziti pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Garlic 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 Cheesy Garlic 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 Cheesy Garlic 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
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
