Baked Ziti

Name: Baked Ziti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 400 grams ziti pasta; 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced; 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 250 grams ricotta cheese; 300 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded; 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated; to taste salt; to taste black pepper

Baked ziti, an Italian-American classic, combines al dente pasta with a rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella for a comforting dish that warms the soul. Its layered textures and flavors come together beautifully in a bubbling casserole, perfect for gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.

Updated April 27, 2026

min total

servings

450

cal / serving

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Heads up: dietary tags are inferred from listed ingredients. If you have a medical allergy or intolerance, verify each ingredient against a label before cooking. This is not certified-allergen-safe content.

Origin

Baked ziti emerged from the Italian-American kitchens of New York City in the mid-20th century, influenced by traditional pasta al forno recipes. This dish became a staple in family gatherings and potlucks, embodying the spirit of community and abundance.

Ingredients

400 gramsziti pasta
2 tbspextra-virgin olive oil
1 mediumonion, finely chopped
3 clovesgarlic cloves, minced
800 gramscanned crushed tomatoes
1 tspdried oregano
1 tspdried basil
250 gramsricotta cheese
300 gramsmozzarella cheese, shredded
50 gramsParmesan cheese, grated
to tastesalt
to tasteblack pepper

Instructions

01
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). A hot oven is crucial for achieving that sought-after bubbling and browning on top of the baked ziti.
02
Step 2: Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. This ensures the pasta retains some bite since it will soften further in the oven.
03
Step 3: In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and aromatic, approximately 5 minutes. This step builds the flavor foundation of your sauce.
04
Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Avoid burning the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
05
Step 5: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to concentrate the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
06
Step 6: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella. Mix thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
07
Step 7: Spread half of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Layer the ziti mixture on top, then pour the remaining sauce over it and sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
08
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling, indicating it’s done and flavors melded.

Chef's notes

Be careful not to overcook the ziti; it should be firm to the bite as it will continue to cook in the oven.
For a touch of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce. If using fresh herbs, toss them in just before serving to maintain their bright flavor.