Classic Italian Baked Ziti with Mozzarella and Basil

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A comforting baked pasta layered with tangy marinara, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil for a traditional Italian favorite. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs ziti pasta, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese (shredded) 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 oz ziti pasta for 8 minutes until just al dente; drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 minced garlic clove and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 cups marinara sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; simmer gently for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, the marinara sauce, 1 cup ricotta cheese, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Mix well to combine.
  5. Step 5: Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella over the layer.
  6. Step 6: Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the remaining 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese.
  7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
  8. Step 8: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving garnished with extra basil if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Italian Baked Ziti with Mozzarella and Basil take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Classic Italian Baked Ziti with Mozzarella and Basil?

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 Classic Italian Baked Ziti with Mozzarella and Basil?

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 Classic Italian Baked Ziti with Mozzarella and Basil 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 Classic Italian Baked Ziti with Mozzarella and Basil?

Italian pasta 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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