If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate cozy comfort food, Three Cheese Baked Ziti will absolutely hit the spot. Imagine tender pasta, a rich and perfectly seasoned tomato sauce, and three luxuriously melty cheeses all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. This classic Italian-American casserole is ridiculously crave-worthy, easy to put together, and always a crowd-pleaser—whether you’re feeding family on a busy weeknight or hosting friends for a laid-back dinner. You’ll love how every forkful blends creamy, gooey, tangy, and savory flavors!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great news—the ingredients for Three Cheese Baked Ziti are delightfully straightforward, but each one truly brings something special to the table. From the pasta’s texture to a trio of cheeses for depth, every component comes together for that irresistibly cheesy bite.
- Ziti Pasta (12 ounces): This sturdy, hollow pasta traps sauces and melted cheese like a pro, giving you the ideal bite in every forkful.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds flavor and helps sauté the garlic for a fragrant, savory base.
- Garlic, Minced (3 cloves): Essential for that unmistakable Italian aroma and depth of flavor.
- Marinara Sauce (1 jar, 24 ounces): The sweet and tangy tomato backbone for the entire dish.
- Tomato Sauce (1 can, 15 ounces): Adds richness and extra moisture to the saucy layers.
- Dried Basil (1 teaspoon): Brings herby freshness that wakes up the tomato flavors.
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Lends traditional Italian warmth and depth to the sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For those who want a whisper of heat to cut through the richness.
- Ricotta Cheese (1 cup): Provides creamy softness and a mild, slightly sweet undertone.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, divided): The ultimate melt factor—think beautiful cheese pulls!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Salty and nutty, it enhances every layer.
- Large Egg (1): Binds the cheese filling for scoopable, fluffy texture.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Makes all the flavors pop!
- Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Balances the richness with a subtle kick.
- Fresh Basil (for garnish): Pops of color and refreshing herbal notes as the finishing touch.
How to Make Three Cheese Baked Ziti
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Boil the Pasta
First things first: Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your ziti until perfectly al dente—don’t overcook, since the pasta will finish baking in the oven. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute, just until it’s fragrant and golden (but not browned). Pour in your jar of marinara sauce, canned tomato sauce, dried basil, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’d like a hint of spice. Let the sauce bubble gently for about 5 minutes, then take off the heat.
Step 3: Mix Up the Cheese Filling
Grab a medium mixing bowl and combine the ricotta, half the mozzarella (that’s 1 cup), all the grated Parmesan, the egg, salt, and pepper. Give everything a really good stir—this cheesy mixture will be fluffy, luscious, and the secret to that rich, creamy texture in every layer.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Spoon about 1 cup of your sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep the pasta from sticking and add extra flavor. Layer in half of your cooked ziti, followed by dollops of half the ricotta cheese mixture. Pour on half of the remaining sauce, then repeat: the rest of the pasta, the rest of the ricotta mixture, and finish with the last of the sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella across the top for a golden, gooey crust!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover your baking dish with foil to trap in moisture and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and let it bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese turns bubbly and just starts to brown at the edges. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Let the Three Cheese Baked Ziti rest for a few minutes before cutting—this helps everything set, keeping the layers intact. Sprinkle with plenty of fresh basil for vibrant color and a burst of aromatic freshness, then serve it up piping hot.
How to Serve Three Cheese Baked Ziti
Garnishes
Add a final sprinkle of fresh basil leaves for a vibrant pop of green and a boost of herby fragrance. If you want to go all out, a dusting of extra Parmesan or even a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving takes Three Cheese Baked Ziti into restaurant-worthy territory.
Side Dishes
This bubbly casserole is a meal on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread for dunking, or simply roasted vegetables. Keep sides light and fresh—they’re the perfect companion to all that cheesy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop portions into individual ramekins for dinner parties, or let guests build their own plates buffet-style. If you’re packing lunch, Three Cheese Baked Ziti can be cut into sturdy squares for easy storage or even layered into a lunchbox with roasted veggies for a colorful midday treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Three Cheese Baked Ziti tightly and refrigerate for up to four days. It reheats beautifully, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch—even late-night snacks taste gourmet the next day!
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer superstar. To freeze, simply assemble the dish (but don’t bake), cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re craving it, bake straight from frozen—just tack on an extra 15 to 20 minutes of bake time, keeping it covered with foil for the first half.
Reheating
Warm slices in the microwave for a grab-and-go meal, or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven until piping hot and cheese is melted again. Add a splash of water or extra sauce before baking to keep everything moist and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta if I don’t have ziti?
Absolutely! Any sturdy tube-shaped pasta like penne or rigatoni works wonders. The key is to use a shape that holds sauces and cheese in every bite.
Is Three Cheese Baked Ziti vegetarian?
Yes, as written, this recipe is completely vegetarian. If you’d like to include meat, add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the sauce for extra heartiness.
What’s the best way to make Three Cheese Baked Ziti ahead?
Assemble the dish fully, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra five minutes to the bake time since it’s starting out cold.
Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?
You can. While ricotta gives a smoother, creamier filling, small curd cottage cheese is a budget-friendly alternative with a mild flavor. Drain it well for best results.
How can I make it spicier?
Double the red pepper flakes in the sauce or stir in chopped hot peppers for more heat. You can always offer crushed red pepper at the table, too!
Final Thoughts
Few dishes deliver as much joy and comfort as Three Cheese Baked Ziti—cheesy, hearty, and always a hit. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or saving some for a rainy day, I hope you’ll fall in love with this classic as much as I have. Go on and give it a try; dinner just got a whole lot more delicious!
Print
Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Three Cheese Baked Ziti recipe. Layers of pasta, savory sauces, and a trio of cheeses baked to perfection, creating a gooey, flavorful dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven and cook pasta: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare sauce: Sauté garlic in olive oil, add marinara sauce, tomato sauce, herbs, and simmer.
- Mix cheese: Combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Layer and bake: Spread sauce in dish, layer pasta and cheese mixture, repeat, top with mozzarella, bake covered then uncovered.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra richness, add browned Italian sausage or ground beef to the sauce.
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 840 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
