Hey there, my friend 👋. If you love pasta, this three cheese baked ziti is going to be your new favorite. It’s cheesy, saucy, and baked to perfection. Unlike other recipes, I mix three different cheeses for that extra rich taste. And guess what? You don’t have to be a pro in the kitchen to make it.
This is a dish you can whip up for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or just because you’re craving something warm and comforting. Let’s get started!
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Grater (if using block cheese)
- Aluminum foil
Important Info
- Servings: 6 large portions
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: About $12-$15, depending on the brand of cheese and pasta you use
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Calories per serving: About 450
- Cook method: Baking
- Season: Great for any season
- Courses: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diets: VegetarianDiet
How to Make Three Cheese Baked Ziti
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this dish and how to prepare it.
Ingredients You Need
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Ziti pasta | Penne or rigatoni |
| Marinara sauce | Tomato sauce with Italian seasoning |
| Ricotta cheese | Cottage cheese |
| Mozzarella cheese | Provolone or Monterey Jack |
| Parmesan cheese | Pecorino Romano |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until almost al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Add the cooked ziti to the ricotta mixture and toss to coat.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Add half of the ziti mixture on top.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and parmesan over the ziti.
- Repeat the layers: add the remaining ziti, then the rest of the marinara sauce, and top with the remaining cheeses.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Undercook the pasta slightly since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture.
- Let it rest for a few minutes after baking so it doesn’t fall apart when serving.
- If you like a crispy top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Want more flavor? Add red pepper flakes or sautéed onions to the marinara sauce.
What to Serve with Three Cheese Baked Ziti
You can serve this with:
- Garlic bread
- A simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- A side of sautéed spinach
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I like serving baked ziti in deep bowls so the sauce doesn’t spill over. If you want to make it fancy, sprinkle extra parmesan on top and add fresh basil for a restaurant-style look.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This is perfect for potlucks, family dinners, and holiday gatherings. It’s a great dish for feeding a crowd because it’s easy to make in large batches. Plus, it stays warm for a long time, making it great for parties.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you’re serving this later the same day, keep it covered at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
Freezing
- If you want to freeze it, let the baked ziti cool completely.
- Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta with ridges to hold the sauce well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, if you want a meatier version, brown some ground beef or Italian sausage and mix it with the marinara sauce before layering.
How do I prevent baked ziti from drying out?
Make sure to cover it with foil for most of the baking time to keep in moisture. Also, don’t skimp on the sauce!
Can I use store-bought shredded cheese?
You can, but freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a creamier texture. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make it grainy.