Easy Ziti with Meat – Perfect Weeknight Pasta Bake
This baked ziti recipe is a comforting pasta casserole layered with tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and ziti noodles. Easy to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook ziti until al dente and drain.
- In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add marinara and simmer 10 mins.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a baking dish, layer sauce, pasta, ricotta, mozzarella. Repeat.
- Top with Parmesan and bake covered for 20 mins, then uncovered 10–15 mins.
- Rest 10 mins before serving. Garnish with herbs if desired.
Notes
- Can be made ahead or frozen before baking.
- Add protein or veggies to customize.
- Use gluten-free or vegan substitutes as needed.