10+ Ziti Recipes You’ll Love for Easy and Delicious Meals

Ziti recipes are such a satisfying way to get your pasta fix. The small tube-shaped noodles hold onto sauces and cheese in the best way.

You can easily make ziti to suit your mood—sometimes you want it simple, other times you want all the meat and cheese you can get.

If you want something easy to throw together and perfect for sharing, ziti’s a solid choice. It’s one of those dishes you can tweak with your favorite ingredients, so you never get bored.

Cooking ziti doesn’t take much time, and it’s pretty rewarding. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you’re feeding a crowd, it always works.

Ingredients

• Ziti pasta
• Tomato or marinara sauce
• Cheese (mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan)
• Meat (optional: ground beef, Italian sausage)
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Onion
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil ziti pasta as the package says, then drain.
3. In a pan, sauté garlic and onion in olive oil until soft.
4. Add meat if you want, and cook until browned.
5. Stir in tomato sauce and season with salt and pepper.
6. Mix cooked pasta with sauce and half the cheese.
7. Move it all to a baking dish, and top with the rest of the cheese.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

1) Classic Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Ricotta

This baked ziti is cozy and straightforward—just what you need after a long day. Italian sausage brings a savory, slightly spicy kick, while ricotta makes it creamy.

Mix the pasta with marinara and top with mozzarella for that golden, bubbly finish. You don’t have to use ricotta, but honestly, it’s worth it for the richness.

Browning the sausage before mixing it in gives the sauce a deeper flavor. Bake until everything’s hot and the cheese is bubbling, about 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
3. Brown sausage in a pan until cooked through.
4. Mix sausage, pasta, marinara, and ricotta in a big bowl.
5. Pour into a baking dish.
6. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Bake for 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

2) Creamy Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti

This one’s for those who want a lighter, creamy ziti. Cottage cheese gives it a smooth texture, and the cheesy top gets just a little brown and crisp.

It’s easy to whip up, and leftovers heat up well. You can keep the ingredients simple or add a few herbs for an extra pop.

Cottage cheese brings in protein and creaminess without weighing things down. If you prep ahead, you can just pop it in the oven when you’re ready.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound 1% cottage cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain.
3. In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, eggs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine pasta with marinara and half the mozzarella.
5. Layer half the pasta mixture in a baking dish.
6. Spread the cottage cheese mixture on top.
7. Add the rest of the pasta and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

3) Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Three Italian Cheeses

Start by cooking your ziti until it’s just right—not too soft. While that’s going, brown ground beef with diced onions and garlic for a savory base.

Mix the cooked pasta with your meat sauce and three Italian cheeses—usually mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan. Layer it all in a baking dish.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is bubbling. It’s a simple, filling dinner that’s always a hit.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups spaghetti sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta until al dente, drain.
3. Heat olive oil; sauté onion and garlic until soft.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
5. Stir in spaghetti sauce; simmer 5 minutes.
6. Mix pasta, meat sauce, ricotta, and half the mozzarella.
7. Pour into baking dish; top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
8. Bake 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

4) Easy Weeknight Baked Ziti with Spaghetti Sauce

If you want ziti but don’t have much time, this version is for you. Use jarred spaghetti sauce, ziti, and a bunch of cheese.

Mix the cooked pasta with sauce and cheese, then bake until everything’s gooey. You can add ground beef or skip it for a vegetarian meal.

Mozzarella and Parmesan make it extra cheesy. Tweak the cheese and seasonings however you like.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 3 cups spaghetti sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: 1/2 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions; drain well.
3. In a big bowl, combine ziti, spaghetti sauce, ricotta, and half the mozzarella. Add ground beef if you want.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
5. Transfer to a baking dish. Top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

5) Cheesy Baked Ziti with Homemade Red Sauce

This one’s all about that homemade red sauce. It’s easy to make with canned tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning—just simmer it to deepen the flavor.

Mix the cooked ziti with the sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan. Bake until it’s golden and bubbly on top.

If you want, add sausage or ground beef for a heartier version. Just brown the meat before adding the sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara or canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta as directed. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Add tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine pasta, sauce, ricotta, and half the mozzarella.
6. Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella and parmesan.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

6) Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Italian Sausage Combo

For those who want their ziti extra hearty, try a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage. The combo gives the tomato sauce a deep, savory flavor.

Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese melt together for a creamy, gooey finish. Brown the meats with onion and garlic first—it’s worth the extra step.

Once you mix everything with cooked ziti and sauce, bake till it’s bubbling and golden. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but tastes special. Using both meats makes it a crowd-pleaser, honestly—here’s a baked ziti with ground beef and Italian sausage recipe if you want more details.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pound ziti pasta, cooked and drained
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the beef, sausage, onion, and garlic in a skillet. Drain the fat.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. In a bowl, mix cooked pasta with meat sauce and ricotta.
5. Transfer half to a baking dish, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan, then layer the rest. Top with remaining cheese.
6. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

7) Layered Baked Ziti with Melty Mozzarella and Parmesan

If you’re in the mood for layers of cheese, this one’s for you. Mozzarella and Parmesan melt into the pasta, making every bite a little gooey and rich.

Start with cooked ziti and marinara. Layer with low-moisture mozzarella and grated Parmesan.

Add chunks of fresh mozzarella between layers for extra meltiness. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until the top is bubbly and golden.

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—if you can wait. This simple layering trick makes every forkful cheesy and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta, cooked
• 2 ½ cups tomato sauce
• 1 cup low-moisture mozzarella, shredded
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain well.
3. Toss the cooked pasta with tomato sauce in a big bowl.
4. Spoon half the pasta mix into a baking dish.
5. Scatter half the low-moisture mozzarella and a few pieces of fresh mozzarella on top.
6. Add the rest of the pasta, then layer on the remaining cheeses and all the Parmesan.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden.
8. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before you dig in.

8) Vegetarian Baked Ziti with Spinach and Ricotta

Here’s a baked ziti that’s honestly hard not to love. It’s loaded with creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and just enough cheese to keep things interesting.

The spinach isn’t too much, just enough to give you a pop of green and a bit of flavor. It’s a cozy vegetarian dinner that feels satisfying, especially when you want something easy.

Mix ricotta with cooked spinach, then season it with garlic powder, salt, and oregano. Layer that cheesy spinach mix with ziti pasta and marinara sauce.

Top it all off with mozzarella for that gooey, melty finish.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces ziti pasta
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to the package and drain.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, spinach, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread half the pasta and half the marinara in a baking dish.
5. Spoon the ricotta mixture over the pasta.
6. Add the rest of the pasta and marinara.
7. Cover it all with mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes, or until it’s bubbling and golden.

9) Baked Ziti with Creamy Tomato Sauce and Italian Herbs

This baked ziti is all about the creamy tomato sauce and those classic Italian herbs. It’s cheesy and smooth, but not too heavy—just the way I like it.

You get a good balance of tomatoes, garlic, and a hit of basil and oregano. The pasta bakes with plenty of mozzarella and ricotta, making it perfect for a night when you need comfort food with zero drama.

If you want a step-by-step guide, check out this creamy baked ziti recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti pasta as the package says and then drain it.
3. Warm olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic until it smells amazing.
4. Stir in tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for five minutes.
5. Mix the cooked pasta with the sauce and ricotta cheese.
6. Layer half the pasta in a baking dish. Add half the mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Put the rest of the pasta on top and finish with the remaining cheeses.
8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until it’s bubbly and golden.

10) Potluck-Friendly Cheesy Baked Ziti

If you’re headed to a potluck, this baked ziti is a winner. It’s got ziti, marinara, and a solid cheese blend for that crowd-pleasing, gooey vibe.

Want to add sausage or ground beef? Go for it. But honestly, the real trick is piling on enough cheese so it stays creamy.

Bake until the top is bubbly and golden. You can make it ahead and reheat, which is a lifesaver for busy days or when you’re feeding a bunch of people.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pound Italian sausage (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the ziti pasta just until it’s al dente, then drain it.

3. Got sausage? Brown it up in a splash of olive oil, and pour off any extra fat.

4. Toss the pasta, marinara, ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, and sausage (if you’re using it) together in a big bowl.

5. Scoop everything into a baking dish.

6. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella over the top.

7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbling and the cheese turns golden.