There’s something universally heartwarming about a bubbling dish of baked pasta. In our home, Family-Style Baked Ziti isn’t just food—it’s a tradition that brings everyone to the table, especially on cozy Sundays or after long workdays. This recipe, with creamy ricotta, rich marinara, and golden mozzarella, is easy to prepare, easy to love, and impossible to resist.
Let me share how you can create this cheesy, oven-baked masterpiece using straightforward steps, clear directions on how to cook, a full ingredients list, and nutrition info in grams. Whether you’re cooking for your family in the U.S., whipping up comfort food in Europe, or enjoying a casual dinner in Asia or the Middle East, this recipe is designed to be globally accessible and incredibly delicious.
💬 A Story You’ll Relate To: Why We Always Come Back to Baked Ziti
It was my grandmother’s go-to recipe on Sunday nights. She didn’t fuss over perfect layers or fancy tools—just rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and so much love that it warmed the whole room. When I moved abroad, this dish became my comfort food. It reminds me that even far from home, we can recreate joy with a spoonful of tradition.
That’s the beauty of baked ziti—it doesn’t just feed your body. It feeds your heart.
🧀What Is Family-Style Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Marinara Sauce and Why Everyone Loves It
The magic of baked ziti lies in its simplicity. It’s a pasta casserole layered like lasagna—but way easier to assemble. You cook ziti noodles until al dente, mix them with a flavorful marinara and creamy ricotta, layer everything into a baking dish, sprinkle with mozzarella, and bake it until it bubbles like a pizza commercial.
Why people love it:
- It’s budget-friendly and feeds a crowd
- Perfect for meal prep or potlucks
- Customizable with your favorite herbs or veggies
- It travels well and reheats beautifully
🍅Ingredients List
Let’s talk ingredients. This is where flavor begins, and it’s crucial to measure everything precisely. Below is the complete ingredients list with values in grams so international readers can follow with ease.
- Ziti pasta – 400g
- Ricotta cheese – 300g
- Shredded mozzarella – 250g
- Parmesan cheese (grated) – 50g
- Marinara sauce – 700g
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp (approx. 30g)
- Garlic cloves (minced) – 3 cloves (about 15g)
- Onion (finely chopped) – 100g
- Fresh basil leaves – 10g
- Dried oregano – 1 tsp (2g)
- Salt – 1 tsp (5g)
- Black pepper – ½ tsp (2g)
Optional Add-ins:
- Spinach – 100g (sautéed, squeezed dry)
- Mushrooms – 150g (sautéed)
🔥How to Cook Family-Style Baked Ziti with Step-by-Step Instructions
Now let’s deeply explain step by step for each recipe section so even novice cooks feel confident. Here’s how to make the best baked ziti in your oven.
🔹 Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 400g ziti pasta and cook until al dente (about 8–9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Tip: Don’t overcook! The pasta will continue cooking in the oven.
🔹 Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a saucepan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 100g chopped onion and 15g minced garlic. Sauté until soft and golden. Pour in 700g marinara sauce. Stir in 2g dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
🔹 Step 3: Mix Pasta with Ricotta and Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, 300g ricotta cheese, and half the marinara sauce. Mix until every piece of pasta is coated.
Optional: Add spinach or mushrooms here for extra nutrition and flavor.
🔹 Step 4: Layer the Baked Ziti
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). In a 9×13-inch baking dish:
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce
- Add half the pasta mixture
- Sprinkle with 125g mozzarella and some Parmesan
- Add the remaining pasta
- Pour remaining sauce on top
- Finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan
🔹 Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
🔹 Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with torn basil leaves just before serving. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
🍽️Proper Nutrition Information
Here’s a nutritional breakdown for one generous serving (serves 6–8 people):
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 470 kcal |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
| Calcium | 280mg |
🧊 Title: Food Safety Tips
Food safety is essential—especially with cheesy and creamy dishes like this.
Follow these important tips:
- Cook pasta until just al dente—don’t let it sit in water too long.
- Let baked ziti rest for at least 10 minutes before serving; it finishes setting.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in an airtight container.
- Reheat only once and ensure it reaches 74°C (165°F) internally.
- Consume leftovers within 3–4 days.
✅ Final Thoughts: Why This Family-Style Baked Ziti Deserves a Spot on Your Table
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or craving comforting leftovers, this Family-Style Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Marinara Sauce is a timeless recipe worth mastering. It’s affordable, satisfying, and deeply nostalgic. And thanks to these directions, ingredient measurements in grams, and nutrition details, it’s never been easier to make this pasta dish anywhere in the world.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I use penne or other pasta instead of ziti?
A: Yes! You can substitute ziti with penne, rigatoni, or any short tube-shaped pasta. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy after baking.
Q2. Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Q3. Is this baked ziti recipe vegetarian-friendly?
A: Yes! This version uses no meat and is entirely vegetarian. However, you can customize it by adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra texture and nutrition.
Q4. Can I freeze baked ziti?
A: Yes. After assembling (before baking), wrap the dish tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake it directly from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for 60–75 minutes, or until heated through.
Q5. How do I store leftovers and reheat them properly?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until hot and bubbly (internal temp: 74°C or 165°F).
Q6. What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
A: You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or even a béchamel sauce if needed. Just make sure it’s not too watery, as it may affect texture.
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🙏 Thank You for Reading!
Thank you so much for stopping by and spending time with us in the kitchen. Your support means the world! I hope this Family-Style Baked Ziti brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of comfort to your table—wherever you are in the world. Happy cooking, and see you in the next recipe!