Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe
If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, it’s hard to beat a bubbling casserole of Three Cheese Baked Ziti. This dish is a glorious symphony of tender pasta, creamy ricotta, stretchy mozzarella, and savory Parmesan, all hugged by zesty marinara sauce and baked until golden. With every forkful, you get the perfect blend of cheesy goodness and Italian-American nostalgia. Whether you’re serving a hungry family or bringing a crowd-pleaser to a potluck, Three Cheese Baked Ziti always disappears fast—so get ready for second helpings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Three Cheese Baked Ziti is how just a handful of classic ingredients come together to make something extraordinary. Each one plays a special role: from the pasta’s heartiness to the cheeses’ creaminess and the sauce’s tangy richness. Here’s what you’ll need (plus a few tips to help you choose the best):
- Ziti pasta: This tubular shape catches all the gooey cheese and sauce, but penne works in a pinch.
- Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps the garlic bloom with flavor.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic gives a fragrant, savory base—don’t skip it!
- Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred or homemade sauce for that punchy tomato flavor.
- Ricotta cheese: The creamy heart of the dish, bringing moisture and a luxurious texture.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (divided): For melty, stretchy cheese pulls in every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (divided): Brings salty, nutty depth and a golden finish on top.
- Large egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture so your ziti stays rich and cohesive.
- Dried Italian seasoning: Adds a balanced herb flavor—think oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the cheese and sauce.
- Black pepper: A little kick for balance and depth.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green for color and a burst of freshness at the end.
How to Make Three Cheese Baked Ziti
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook just until al dente—it’ll soften more in the oven, so don’t overcook! Drain the pasta, then set it aside while you get the sauces and cheeses ready. This simple step is key: perfectly cooked pasta means your Three Cheese Baked Ziti will have a perfectly tender bite every time.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Marinara
While the pasta drains, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until it’s gloriously fragrant—don’t let it brown. Pour in the marinara sauce, stir, and let it simmer for about five minutes. This quick simmer melds the flavors and infuses the sauce with garlicky goodness, setting the stage for your pasta to shine.
Step 3: Mix the Cheesy Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan, the large egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is creamy and well blended. This luscious mixture will coat the pasta with richness and help the casserole hold its shape once baked.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Cheese
Add the drained ziti to the bowl with the cheese mixture. Pour in half of the warm marinara sauce, then stir gently to coat every piece of pasta. This step ensures that each bite is packed with creamy cheese and savory sauce—a hallmark of great Three Cheese Baked Ziti.
Step 5: Layer and Assemble
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the pasta and cheese mixture into the dish, then drizzle over half of the remaining marinara sauce. Repeat with the rest of the pasta and top with the last of the sauce. Finish by sprinkling the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan evenly over the top for that irresistible, bubbling crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbling. Let your Three Cheese Baked Ziti rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving—this helps everything set and makes it much easier to slice and serve.
How to Serve Three Cheese Baked Ziti
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley gives your Three Cheese Baked Ziti a burst of color and a hint of herbal freshness. If you love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving can make each bite even more special.
Side Dishes
Pair this baked ziti with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Warm garlic bread or a rustic loaf makes the perfect partner for scooping up any extra sauce, and roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini add a wholesome balance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try baking individual portions in ramekins for a dinner party or holiday gathering. If you’re feeding a crowd, serve Three Cheese Baked Ziti buffet-style with a toppings bar—think extra Parmesan, chili flakes, or even a dollop of pesto. It’s also fantastic as a make-ahead lunch, packed into containers and reheated for a cozy midday treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Three Cheese Baked Ziti keeps beautifully! Let it cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days—perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the ziti but don’t bake it. Wrap the dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake straight from the freezer (adding about 15 extra minutes to the covered baking time) or thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat single portions in the microwave or pop the whole dish back in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly. If you find the pasta has soaked up too much sauce, simply add a spoonful or two of marinara before reheating to keep everything deliciously moist.
FAQs
Can I add meat to Three Cheese Baked Ziti?
Absolutely! For a heartier version, add cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or ground beef to the marinara sauce before layering. It’s a great way to satisfy meat lovers and add extra protein.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta, small-curd cottage cheese makes a great substitute, or you can use mascarpone for an extra creamy twist. Just make sure to drain cottage cheese well so your filling isn’t watery.
Can I assemble Three Cheese Baked Ziti the day before?
Definitely! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just add 10 extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s going into the oven cold.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out regular ziti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as gluten-free noodles can soften more quickly.
How do I prevent the ziti from drying out?
Be sure to use plenty of sauce and cover the dish with foil for most of the baking time. If reheating, add a splash of extra marinara or a drizzle of olive oil to help keep it moist and delicious.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to dive into a bubbling pan of Three Cheese Baked Ziti! It’s pure comfort in every bite, easy to make ahead, and guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Gather your ingredients, invite your favorite people, and enjoy this classic dish straight from the heart of the kitchen.
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Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Three Cheese Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American classic featuring tender pasta combined with rich ricotta, melted mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan cheeses, all baked in a savory marinara sauce. Perfect as a hearty vegetarian main course, it’s simple to prepare and delivers a deliciously cheesy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the ziti pasta. Cook until just al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce and allow it to simmer gently for 5 minutes to develop flavor.
- Mix Cheese and Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, egg, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked ziti pasta and half of the marinara sauce from the skillet into the cheese mixture. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the pasta and cheese mixture into the dish. Pour half of the remaining marinara sauce evenly on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining pasta mixture and sauce.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the assembled pasta.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt smoothly.
- Bake Uncovered to Brown: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the dish is bubbly and the cheese topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the baked ziti rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired to add freshness and color.
Notes
- For a heartier version, add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the marinara sauce.
- You can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking; if chilled, add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
