If you’re craving a bubbling, extra-cheesy, and utterly comforting dinner, Three Cheese Baked Ziti is just the ticket. This Italian-American classic transforms simple pantry staples into layers upon layers of creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and savory Parmesan wrapped in hearty pasta and vibrant tomato sauce. Whether you’re hosting family, feeding a hungry crowd, or making a weeknight meal special, this dish delivers cozy satisfaction in every bite. Let’s dive into why this ziti recipe is my forever favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Three Cheese Baked Ziti has a starring role, creating a dish that’s way more than the sum of its parts. You’ll love how just a handful of fresh flavors and cheeses combine for perfect savory bites, inviting everyone back for seconds.
- Ziti Pasta: A tubular pasta that clings to sauce and cheese, making every forkful rewarding.
- Olive Oil: Adds a subtle, fruity richness and starts the sauce off right.
- Marinara or Pasta Sauce: Go for high-quality sauce for maximum flavor; homemade or store-bought both work.
- Onion: Provides sweetness and depth to the simmered sauce base.
- Garlic: Just three cloves, but they bring a bold, aromatic punch that’s non-negotiable.
- Dried Basil: Infuses the sauce with fragrant, herby notes that taste of Italy.
- Dried Oregano: A classic pairing with tomatoes, adding warm earthiness.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Crank up the heat for a gentle kick, or skip if you’re keeping it mild.
- Ricotta Cheese: Delivers that ultra-creamy, luscious texture in the heart of your baked ziti.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey, irresistible layers—save some for sprinkling on top!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, salty finish and the ultimate golden crust.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and brightening every other flavor in this casserole.
- Fresh Parsley or Basil for Garnish (optional): A fresh, green pop that makes the whole dish feel special.
How to Make Three Cheese Baked Ziti
Step 1: Boil the Ziti
Start by bringing a big pot of generously salted water to a boil. Drop in the ziti pasta and cook until it’s just al dente—tender but with a little bite. Pasta will cook a bit more while baking, so don’t overdo it. Drain and set aside as you prep the other elements.
Step 2: Craft a Flavorful Sauce
In a large skillet, heat that olive oil until shimmering, then toss in your chopped onion. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally so nothing browns too much. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds, then pour in the marinara. Sprinkle in the basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and season to your taste with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–7 minutes to let the flavors meld and deepen. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
Step 3: Mix Pasta with Cheeses
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm, cooked ziti with creamy ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Pour in about half of your prepared sauce, then stir gently until everything is perfectly coated in cheesy, tomatoey goodness. It’s already tempting, but just wait!
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spoon in the cheesy pasta mixture. Spread it out evenly, then top with the rest of the sauce. Finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, completely blanketing your ziti in a layer that will bubble up beautifully.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and slide it into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is gloriously golden and bubbling at the edges. Let your Three Cheese Baked Ziti rest a few minutes before serving—it helps everything set and makes slicing easier.
How to Serve Three Cheese Baked Ziti
Garnishes
Finish each plate with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil. The freshness balances the rich cheese, and the pops of green make the whole dish look inviting. Plus, a little extra Parmesan never hurts—add a quick shower at the table for guests who love that extra savory touch.
Side Dishes
Three Cheese Baked Ziti pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad or a pile of simply dressed mixed greens to contrast the richness. For soaking up extra sauce, serve with warm, crusty bread or classic garlic knots. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini are also perfect if you want to round out the meal a bit more.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual family dinners, bring the baking dish straight to the table and let everyone help themselves. Hosting guests? Spoon the ziti into individual ramekins before baking for a restaurant-style presentation. For a potluck, bake in disposable aluminum pans—easy to transport and serve, and you won’t worry about extra dishes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Three Cheese Baked Ziti stores wonderfully! Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover tightly or transfer portions to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days—you can enjoy a quick, comforting lunch or dinner all week long.
Freezing
This dish is a freezer superstar. Assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze (unbaked) for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, simply bake from frozen, adding about 15–20 minutes to the covered baking time. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks or gifting to friends in need of some home-cooked love.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the leftovers with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20 minutes (longer from frozen). For single servings, a microwave works well—just cover and heat in one-minute bursts until hot. A splash of extra sauce before reheating helps keep everything moist and melty.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni will work just as well. The beauty of Three Cheese Baked Ziti is its adaptability—the shape just needs to be sturdy to hold all the cheesy, saucy goodness.
What’s the best way to keep the cheese topping golden, not burnt?
Cover your dish for the first part of baking to let everything heat evenly, then uncover for the last 10–15 minutes. If it starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil until the final few minutes.
Can I add meat to Three Cheese Baked Ziti?
Definitely! Stir in cooked ground beef, sweet Italian sausage, or even a bit of diced pepperoni with the sauce if you’d like extra heartiness. Just make sure any meat is cooked and drained before adding.
Is it possible to make this gluten free?
Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free ziti or penne pasta, and double-check that your marinara sauce and cheeses are certified gluten free. You’ll have all the same comfort and flavor, just a bit lighter on the wheat.
Can I prep Three Cheese Baked Ziti ahead of time?
That’s one of its best features! Assemble up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When baking from cold, just add 10 extra minutes to your bake time to ensure everything is piping hot and melty in the center.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve served up your first pan of Three Cheese Baked Ziti, it’s bound to become a repeat request in your home. It’s hearty, full of family-friendly flavors, and reliably delivers that unique comfort and joy only a favorite pasta bake can bring. Gather the simple ingredients, invite someone you love, and make a meal you’ll both remember!
Print
Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Three Cheese Baked Ziti recipe. A deliciously cheesy pasta bake that’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Ziti:
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Ziti: Cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic, then add marinara sauce, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine pasta, ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, half of Parmesan, and half of the sauce in a bowl.
- Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining sauce and cheeses. Bake covered, then uncover until bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
- Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a meatier version.
- Swap ricotta with cottage cheese if preferred.
- Make ahead and refrigerate—add 10 more minutes to bake time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
