Nanas Famous but Easy Baked Ziti

Nanas Easy Baked Ziti Simple Delicious Comfort

By Kendra ThompsonOctober 4, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Nana's Secret!

Ever wonder what the ultimate comfort food is? I reckon it's got to be pasta, right? This Simple and Delicious Baked Ziti recipe will be your new go-to.

It will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy! Think creamy, cheesy, tomato-y goodness, all in one pan.

This Baked Ziti Dish is a classic. It hails from Italian American kitchens. It's easy to make, taking about 50 minutes from start to finish.

This Homemade Ziti Recipe feeds about 6-8 hungry folks. Perfect for a family dinner or a potluck with friends.

Why This Baked Ziti Dish Rocks

Ricotta Baked Ziti isn't just yummy. The ricotta cheese is packed with protein and calcium. This Comfort Food Pasta is great for a cosy night in.

What makes this easy baked ziti recipe special? It is the layers of flavor and simple ingredients.

What You Need to Get Started

Grab some olive oil, onions, and garlic. You'll also need crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Dried oregano and basil add that Italian touch.

A bit of red pepper flakes gives it a kick, if you're feeling brave. Don't forget the salt and pepper.

Fresh basil for garnish is the chef's kiss.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Simple and Delicious Baked Ziti

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make this showstopper. Honestly, the best Baked Ziti Dish isn't about fancy ingredients.

It's about good quality basics and a little love. You know, the kind Nana would approve of.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

We're gonna break it down, so you can easily get all your stuff ready.

Ziti Pasta: 1 pound (454g) . This is key! Look for a good brand. Don't overcook it, or you'll end up with mush!
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Extra virgin is best for that flavour boost.
Onion: 1 medium (about 1 cup, 150g) . Yellow or white will do.
Garlic: 2 cloves (about 2 teaspoons) . Fresh is always better, trust me.
Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794g) . Get good ones!.
Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g) . This makes your pasta Baked Ziti extra saucy.
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon . Adds that classic Italian flavour.
Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon . Another must have for that Italian pasta bake vibe.
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional) . For a little kick!
Ricotta Cheese: 1 (15 ounce) container (425g) . Whole milk ricotta is where it's at.
Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten . This helps bind the ricotta.
Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup grated . Get the real stuff, not the green can.
Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup chopped . Adds freshness.
Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups shredded (227g) . Low-moisture, part skim melts best, tbh.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce (Literally!)

The sauce is where the magic happens. Oregano and basil are your base. But don't be afraid to add a pinch of sugar if the sauce is too acidic.

Red pepper flakes give it a nice warmth. For a Flavor enhancer , try a bay leaf while it simmers.

Honestly, Homemade Ziti Recipe is a piece of cake to improvise! If you don't have fresh parsley, use dried (but use less!).

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need a ton of fancy stuff for this Easy baked ziti recipe.

Large Pot: For boiling the ziti.
Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For the sauce.
9x13 inch Baking Dish: For baking. No brainer.
Mixing Bowl: For the ricotta mixture. A Classic baked ziti dish needs space.

That's it. Seriously. If you don't have a Dutch oven, a large skillet will do. You can even use a smaller baking dish if you want a thicker Ricotta baked ziti .

Just adjust the baking time. Now, go forth and create some amazing comfort food pasta ! This Mozzarella baked ziti will make you a star! It's a perfect Weeknight dinner recipe.

Time to Get Cooking: Simple and Delicious Baked Ziti

Hey there, foodies! Let's talk Simple and Delicious Baked Ziti . Honestly, who doesn’t love a good pasta bake? I mean, it's total comfort food, right? And this Ricotta baked ziti ? Oh my gosh, it’s a winner every single time.

So grab your apron, and let's get started on this Easy baked ziti recipe that's perfect for a weeknight dinner recipe , or anytime you crave some Comfort food pasta .

I promise, even if you're not a whiz in the kitchen, you can nail this Italian pasta bake !

Get Your Stuff Together: Prep Steps

First things first: let's get organized, yeah? It’s the essential mise en place . Chop your onion and garlic. Grate your cheese.

Open those cans of tomatoes. Having everything ready means you can just cruise through the recipe. I always say, a tidy kitchen equals a happy cook! Plus, you're less likely to accidentally set something on fire speaking from experience here, folks!

Layer It Up: step-by-step Process

Alright, now for the fun part!

Cook your Pasta Baked Ziti pasta (ziti, obviously!) until it's al dente, about 8- 10 minutes . Drain it well. Don't overcook it, or it'll get mushy!
Sauté your chopped onion and minced garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until softened. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes , stirring occasionally.
Mix together ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Boom! Cheese filling done.
Layer time! Spread a bit of sauce in the bottom of your baking dish. Then, layer half the ziti, the ricotta mix, more sauce, and half the mozzarella.
Repeat with the rest of the ziti, sauce, and mozzarella.

Bake it in a 375° F ( 190° C) oven for 30 minutes , or until it's all golden and bubbly.

Let it rest for 10 minutes before you dig in. Trust me, that rest time is crucial!

Secret Weapon: Pro Tips

Want to take your baked ziti from good to amazing ? Here’s a little trick: use whole milk ricotta. Seriously, it makes all the difference! Also, don’t skimp on the mozzarella.

That cheese pull is everything. Also, make sure the sauce tastes perfect before layering, adding extra seasoning if needed. I like to make the sauce ahead of time, so it's ready to go.

This really is the perfect Homemade Ziti Recipe . So get baking and enjoy a slice of that Classic baked ziti !

Recipe Notes for the Best Simple and Delicious Baked Ziti

Alright, you've got the recipe for my Nana's famous (but easy !) Baked Ziti Dish . Before you dive in, let's chat about a few tips and tricks.

These are the little things I've learned over the years that take this Pasta Baked Ziti from good to OMG good.

Think of this as my way of holding your hand and guiding you to Comfort Food Pasta perfection.

How to Serve This Ricotta Baked Ziti

Presentation is everything, right? Well, not everything , but it helps. I like to serve this Classic Baked Ziti straight from the baking dish.

It's rustic and lets everyone see that glorious, bubbly Mozzarella Baked Ziti topping. A sprinkle of fresh basil just before serving adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness.

For sides, garlic bread is a no-brainer. You need something to soak up all that sauce. A Caesar salad or some simple Italian green beans are also great to balance out the richness of the Italian Pasta Bake .

As for drinks? A glass of Chianti or even just some fizzy water with a lemon wedge works wonders.

Keeping Leftover Baked Ziti Fresh

Leftovers? If you're lucky enough to have any, storing them properly is key. Once cooled, cover your Homemade Ziti Recipe tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container.

It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.

To reheat, bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through, or microwave it in individual portions. Honestly, I think it tastes even better the next day!

Adaptations to This Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

One of the best things about this Weeknight Dinner Recipe is how versatile it is. Need a vegetarian option? Skip the meat and load it up with sautéed veggies like mushrooms, peppers, and zucchini.

Want to make it gluten-free? Simply swap out the regular pasta for gluten-free ziti. As for seasonal swaps, in the summer, I like to add some fresh, chopped tomatoes to the sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Delish!

Baked Ziti Nutrition Rundown

Okay, let's be real, this isn't exactly a health food. But it's food for the soul! A serving clocks in around 450-550 calories, with a good dose of protein (25-30g) and plenty of carbs (50-60g).

The ricotta cheese provides calcium, and the tomatoes are packed with antioxidants. Just remember, everything in moderation, darling. It's all about balance, you know?

So there you have it! All my tips and tricks for the perfect Simple and Delicious Baked Ziti . Now get in the kitchen and make some magic.

I know you can do it. And remember, even if it's not perfect, it'll still taste amazing! Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Simple and Delicious Baked Ziti ahead of time? Is it good for meal prepping?

Absolutely! This Baked Ziti is perfect for meal prepping or making ahead. You can assemble it completely, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.

Think of it as the culinary equivalent of a good cuppa comforting and ready when you need it!

What are some good substitutions if I don't have all the ingredients for Simple and Delicious Baked Ziti?

No worries, mate! If you're missing an ingredient or two, don't fret. Cottage cheese (drained well) can stand in for ricotta in a pinch, though the texture will be slightly different. Provolone or fontina can replace mozzarella.

And if you don't have fresh herbs, dried herbs will do just fine - just use about a teaspoon of each for every tablespoon of fresh.

How do I store leftover Baked Ziti, and how long will it last?

Leftover Baked Ziti stores like a charm! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It'll keep for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Just like a good cheese, this dish only gets better with age (within reason, of course!).

Can I freeze Simple and Delicious Baked Ziti?

You bet! Baked Ziti freezes beautifully. Assemble the ziti but don't bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

Or you can bake it from frozen, but it will take considerably longer, so cover with foil for the first hour to prevent burning. Consider it your emergency comfort food stash!

Any tips for making this Simple and Delicious Baked Ziti even more delicious?

Absolutely! Don't skimp on the cheese! A generous layer of mozzarella is what makes it extra irresistible. Brown the meat (if using) before adding it to the sauce for added flavor. Let the finished dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.

This allows the flavors to meld together, and, honestly, who doesn't like waiting for something delicious?

Is there a way to make this Simple and Delicious Baked Ziti healthier?

Certainly! Use whole wheat ziti for added fiber. Opt for part skim ricotta and mozzarella to reduce fat. You can also add more vegetables to the sauce like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrients. These tweaks won't compromise the taste but will give you a bit more of a health halo! It’s all about balance, right?