Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming Italian classic, this Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe is exactly the dish to make your dinner table dance with flavor. Imagine tender pasta bathed in a rich, homemade tomato sauce, layered lovingly with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Every bite bursts with indulgent cheesiness and just the right touch of herbs that feel like a warm hug. Whether it’s a family gathering or your next cozy night in, this baked ziti recipe never fails to impress with its simple ingredients transforming into something spectacular. Get ready to fall in love with easy comfort food at its absolute best.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient serves a purpose—bringing flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden crust to life. From the sturdy bite of ziti pasta to the trio of cheeses that add gooey richness, and the bright, savory tomato sauce with just a hint of herbs, every element makes this dish shine.

• 1 lb (450 g) ziti pasta: Holds the sauce and cheese perfectly thanks to its tube shape and slightly firm texture.
• Salted water for boiling: Seasons the pasta from the inside out for balanced flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese: Adds creamy smoothness that’s essential in every comforting bite.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that signature stretchy cheese pull we all adore.
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty sharpness to cut through the creaminess.
• 1 large egg: Binds the cheese mixture so it holds together nicely during baking.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that elevates every layer.
• Salt and pepper to taste: To balance and season all components perfectly.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Provides a silky base for sautéeing onions and garlic in the sauce.
• 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the tomato sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers classic Italian aroma and flavor.
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: Forms the rich, tangy heart of the sauce.
• 1 tsp sugar (optional): Balances the acidity in the tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
• 1 tsp dried basil: Infuses the sauce with a sweet, peppery note.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: Gives that unmistakable Italian bite.
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan for topping: Form the glorious cheesy crust that crowns the dish.
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional): For a pop of color and fresh flavor.

How to Make Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your ziti pasta just until it’s al dente, which means it should have a slight bite to it — perfect for baking without turning mushy. Drain it well and set it aside, ready for its cheesy transformation.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent, around 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, releasing that aromatic goodness. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then stir in sugar (if you like your sauce less tangy), dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend all those lovely flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

While the sauce simmers, take a bowl and combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, the egg, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and well incorporated. This cheesy filling is the soul of your baked ziti, promising creamy bites in every forkful.

Step 4: Assemble the Ziti

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with about two-thirds of the tomato sauce and the cheese mixture. This step ensures every noodle is perfectly coated and cheesy. Transfer everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing the top gently. Pour the remaining sauce over the surface, then sprinkle with the leftover mozzarella and Parmesan to create that irresistible golden crust.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Cover your baking dish tightly with foil and pop it into the oven for 20 minutes. This traps in moisture so the cheese melts evenly. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and beautifully golden brown. Let your baked ziti rest for about 5 minutes before serving to let all the flavors settle and meld together nicely.

How to Serve Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like basil or parsley tucked on top just before serving bring a vibrant splash of color and a bright, herbal freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add a luscious finishing touch that enhances every bite.

Side Dishes

This dish stands well on its own but pairs wonderfully with a fresh, crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or warm focaccia are also perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, making your meal feel complete and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, serve the baked ziti in mini ramekins for individual portions — it looks charming and helps with portion control. Or, layer some additional roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini into the dish at assembly to add a pop of color and extra nutrition without sacrificing the beloved cheesy goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making your leftovers taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe freezes beautifully and is a lifesaver for busy nights. Assemble the dish but skip the final bake, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen, adding extra baking time to ensure it’s heated through and bubbly.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to maintain moisture, removing the foil toward the end to refresh the cheesy topping. You can also microwave single portions, but stirring halfway through helps heat it evenly without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta besides ziti?

Absolutely! Penne or rigatoni also work well because their hollow shapes trap sauce and cheese similarly to ziti, delivering that same comforting texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this classic recipe is naturally vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat. Just double-check your cheese labels if you’re strict about rennet sources, or consider vegetarian-friendly alternatives.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular ziti with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just watch the cooking time carefully since gluten-free pasta can cook faster or softer.

How do I know when the baked ziti is done?

Look for bubbling sauce peeking through the cheese layer and a golden-brown crust on top. A slight jiggle and a thermometer reading of around 165°F (74°C) in the center also indicate it’s fully heated.

Can I add meat to this recipe?

Of course! Browned Italian sausage, ground beef, or even spicy pepperoni can be added to the sauce before mixing with pasta for a meatier twist that still keeps the cheesy magic intact.

Final Thoughts

This Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe feels like a warm embrace on a plate—a dish that brings comfort, celebration, and cheesy satisfaction all at once. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy solo meal, this recipe makes every bite memorable. So grab your apron, gather those simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a baked ziti experience that’s truly irresistible. You will be so glad you did.

Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe

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4 from 30 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

This comforting Three Cheese Baked Ziti combines tender pasta with a rich tomato sauce and a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to bubbly perfection and topped with fresh herbs, it’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing Italian-American classic perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb (450 g) ziti pasta
• Salted water for boiling

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping:

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Make the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow flavors to meld.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, the large egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
4. Assemble the Ziti: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with two-thirds of the prepared tomato sauce and the cheese mixture. Transfer this mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the pasta. Sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses.
5. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Serve: Once baked, let the ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired to add a fresh herbal note to the dish.

Notes

• For extra flavor, you can add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce.
• Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free version of this dish.
• Substitute whole milk ricotta for a creamier texture.
• Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Pasta
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American