Italian Oven-Baked Ziti with Tomato and Ricotta

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

Tender baked ziti pasta layered with rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella for a comforting Italian classic. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 50 minutes pairs ziti pasta, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 35 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 ounces ziti pasta for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain.
  2. Step 2: In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 cups tomato sauce to the skillet, simmer for 5 minutes, then season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the tomato sauce, 1 cup ricotta cheese, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, stirring gently.
  5. Step 5: Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan over the layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Italian Oven-Baked Ziti with Tomato and Ricotta 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 Tomato and Ricotta?

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 Tomato and Ricotta?

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 Tomato and Ricotta 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 Tomato and Ricotta?

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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