Italian Oven-Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Basil

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

Baked ziti pasta layered with creamy ricotta, tangy marinara, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil for a comforting Italian classic. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 50 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 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 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 toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with 3 cups marinara sauce, 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Stir until evenly mixed.
  3. Step 3: Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
  4. Step 4: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, with golden edges. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Italian Oven-Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Basil take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Italian Oven-Baked Ziti with Ricotta 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 Italian Oven-Baked Ziti with Ricotta 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 Italian Oven-Baked Ziti with Ricotta 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 Italian Oven-Baked Ziti with Ricotta 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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