When life gets busy, you need a go-to dinner that’s easy, comforting, and downright delicious—and that’s exactly what this Weeknight Baked Ziti delivers! Imagine layers of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a stress-free, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together with minimal effort but tastes like a labor of love.
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Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and cheesy, this recipe is your new best friend.
Why You’ll Love Weeknight Baked Ziti
Quick & Easy: Minimal prep, simple ingredients, and ready in under an hour.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
Comfort Food Perfection: Every bite is cheesy, saucy, and satisfying.
Customizable: Add protein, veggies, or extra spice to make it your own.
Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients in Weeknight Baked Ziti
This baked ziti is made with just a handful of everyday ingredients, but together, they create pure magic.
Ziti Pasta: The perfect shape for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Marinara Sauce: A rich, flavorful tomato base—use homemade or store-bought for convenience.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Adds hearty, savory depth. You can use either or a mix of both.
Ricotta Cheese: The secret to a creamy, dreamy texture.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey perfection on top.
Parmesan Cheese: A salty, nutty finishing touch.
Garlic & Onion: Essential for building flavor in the sauce.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that makes everything taste amazing.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but great if you like a little heat.
How to Make Weeknight Baked Ziti
Cook the Pasta: Boil the ziti in salted water until al dente, then drain.
Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage with garlic and onion until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Make the Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
Mix the Cheese Layer: In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, and a bit of mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the Dish: In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the sauce, then dollops of the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with shredded mozzarella on top.
Bake to Perfection: Bake at 375°F until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve & Enjoy: Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and dig in!
How to Serve Weeknight Baked Ziti
With a Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or simple green salad balances out the richness.
Garlic Bread: Because extra carbs are always a good idea!
With a Glass of Wine: A bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully.
As Leftovers: Reheat and enjoy for lunch the next day—it’s even better!
Additional Tips
Make It Meatless: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta for an easy swap.
Spice It Up: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Store & Reheat: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to [time]. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Freeze for Later: Assemble and freeze unbaked for an easy meal prep option.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A1: Yes! Penne or rigatoni work just as well.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Assemble it, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to [time].
Q4: Can I freeze baked ziti?
A4: Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to [time]. Bake straight from frozen or thaw overnight.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat it?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for the best texture, or use the microwave for convenience.
Q6: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
A6: Yes! Blend it for a smoother texture if desired.
Q7: How can I make this dish extra cheesy?
A7: Add more mozzarella or mix in shredded provolone.
Q8: What protein can I use instead of beef or sausage?
A8: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles work well.
Q9: Can I add vegetables?
A9: Yes! Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms make great additions.
Q10: Is baked ziti the same as lasagna?
A10: Not quite! Baked ziti is less structured and easier to assemble, but just as delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Weeknight Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food—easy, cheesy, and guaranteed to satisfy. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal, prepping for a busy week, or serving a crowd, it’s a dish that always delivers. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready for a pasta night everyone will love!
Print
Weeknight Baked Ziti
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This easy Weeknight Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with layers of rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, this hearty pasta bake is perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 lb dry ziti
- 1 lb lean ground beef or mild Italian sausage
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 lb ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, grated (divided)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, chopped into 1/4-inch cubes (divided)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Preheat Oven & Cook Pasta:
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just shy of al dente (about 5-6 minutes). Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef or sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and marinara sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.
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Make the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, mix ricotta, beaten eggs, 1 cup Parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella until combined.
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Thicken the Cream:
- In a saucepan, whisk cornstarch into heavy cream over medium heat. Simmer while stirring until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
- Stir in the ricotta mixture and 1 cup of marinara sauce.
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Assemble the Baked Ziti:
- Combine drained pasta with the ricotta sauce mixture and season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
-
Bake:
- Cover with foil (sprayed with nonstick spray) and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a mix of beef and sausage.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for a veggie boost.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for an easy meal the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg