Creamy Baked Ziti Recipe with Ricotta
This creamy baked ziti with ricotta is a comforting, cheesy casserole layered with silky ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and tangy marinara sauce. It’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for cozy family dinners or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz dried ziti pasta (or penne/rigatoni)
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Position rack in the center.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook until just al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside. Toss with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, eggs, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, marinara sauce, minced garlic, and half of the chopped basil. Stir gently until pasta is coated.
- Spread half the sauced ziti into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Dollop and spread half the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup parmesan.
- Repeat layers with remaining ziti, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 15-20 minutes, until cheese is bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with remaining fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be just al dente. Blend ricotta mixture thoroughly for a creamy texture. Cover with foil for the first half of baking to keep the cheese moist. Let the casserole rest after baking for clean slices. For gluten-free, use GF pasta; for dairy-free, use plant-based cheeses. Add sautéed veggies or cooked sausage for variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the pan
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 46
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 18
Keywords: baked ziti, ricotta, creamy pasta, cheesy casserole, Italian comfort food, easy dinner, family recipe, potluck, vegetarian option