Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food—loaded with tender pasta, rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and melty cheese in every bite. This oven-baked classic is easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and delivers all the cozy, gooey goodness of a lasagna without the fuss.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ziti pasta (or penne)
ricotta cheese
cream cheese (softened)
shredded mozzarella cheese
grated parmesan cheese
egg
marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
garlic (minced)
dried basil
dried oregano
salt
black pepper
fresh parsley (for garnish)

directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a bowl, mix ricotta, cream cheese, half the mozzarella, parmesan, egg, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.

Toss cooked ziti with half of the remaining marinara sauce, then layer half of the pasta into the dish.

Spread half of the cheese mixture over the pasta, then top with more marinara.

Repeat layers with remaining pasta, cheese, and sauce.

Top with remaining mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan.

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6–8 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: 50–55 minutes

Variations

Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or meatballs for a meaty version.
Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter alternative.
Swap marinara for vodka sauce or add a touch of cream for extra richness.
Top with fresh basil or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Make it vegetarian with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Freeze assembled (unbaked) or fully baked ziti for up to 2 months—thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, penne or rigatoni work well as substitutes.

Do I have to use cream cheese?
No, but it adds extra creaminess—feel free to omit or replace with more ricotta.

Can I assemble this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and double-check your sauce and cheese labels.

How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
Cover with foil for the first 25 minutes, then bake uncovered to melt and brown the top.

Conclusion

Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is everything you want in a cozy pasta dish—rich, hearty, and layered with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping, or just craving comfort, this baked ziti is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll make again and again.

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