Baked Ziti with Mozzarella

When it comes to comfort food, Baked Ziti with Mozzarella is one of my go-to recipes. 🍝🧀 This dish is perfect for family dinners or any time you need a warm, cheesy, and filling meal. The ziti pasta is baked in a delicious marinara sauce with a cheesy, bubbly topping that melts in your mouth. My kids absolutely love this dish, and I can’t blame them—it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. With just a few ingredients, you can make a hearty, flavorful meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead meal for busy nights or meal prepping for the week.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Baked Ziti with Mozzarella

This dish is everything you want in a comfort meal: cheesy, saucy, and incredibly satisfying. The ziti pasta is perfectly cooked and coated in marinara sauce, and the mozzarella cheese creates a golden, gooey top layer that’s just irresistible. It’s a simple, delicious meal that’s always a hit, whether you’re feeding the family or serving guests.

What You’ll Need to Make Baked Ziti with Mozzarella

  • 1 lb (450g) ziti pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Baked Ziti with Mozzarella

  1. Cook the pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, garlic powder, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked ziti pasta to the bowl with the marinara sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.
  4. Assemble the dish: In a greased 9Ă—13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and top with the rest of the cheese.
  5. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  6. Serve: Let the ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and enjoy!

More Relative Recipes:

Fun Variations

You can get creative with your Baked Ziti! Add some cooked ground beef, sausage, or even turkey for extra protein. If you want a vegetarian version, try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. For an extra cheesy twist, you can mix ricotta cheese into the pasta mixture before baking. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes!

Perfect for Family Gatherings and Meal Prep

Baked Ziti with Mozzarella is great for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for the week. I often make a big batch and keep leftovers in the fridge for lunch the next day. It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to blend together. It’s one of those dishes that just gets better with time!

FAQs

  1. Can I make this ahead of time?
    Yes! You can assemble the ziti the night before and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake it, just pop it in the oven and cook as usual.
  2. Can I use a different kind of cheese?
    Absolutely! You can swap the mozzarella for provolone, fontina, or even cheddar cheese for a different flavor.
  3. Can I freeze Baked Ziti with Mozzarella?
    Yes! To freeze, assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, bake it straight from the freezer, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
  4. Can I add meat to the ziti?
    Yes! Ground beef, sausage, or even chicken work great in this dish. Simply cook the meat and mix it into the pasta and sauce before baking.
  5. Can I make this dish spicier?
    If you love a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some on top before baking. You can also add sliced jalapeños for an extra spicy kick!

Baked Ziti with Mozzarella

Baked Ziti with Mozzarella is one of those recipes that will have you reaching for seconds! 🍝 It’s loaded with cheesy goodness and marinara sauce, all baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly mozzarella topping. Simple to make, deliciously satisfying, and always a hit with the whole family!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb 450g ziti pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil optional, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta:
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Prepare the sauce:
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, garlic powder, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  • Combine pasta and sauce:
  • Add the cooked ziti pasta to the bowl with the marinara sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.
  • Assemble the dish:
  • Grease a 9Ă—13-inch baking dish and spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and top with the rest of the cheese.
  • Bake:
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  • Serve:
  • Let the ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can switch up the cheese! Try provolone, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar for a different twist on flavor.
  • Add a side salad and some garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal!