10+ Ziti Recipes for Delicious Family Meals

Ziti recipes are a favorite for many home cooks. These dishes are delicious and versatile, making them perfect for quick family meals or gatherings with friends.

From classic baked ziti to variations with different sauces and cheeses, you’ll find something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you prefer rich, cheesy flavors or a lighter version, you can easily create a satisfying ziti dish. With just a few key ingredients, you can whip up a meal that everyone will love.

1) Classic Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Three Cheeses

Classic baked ziti combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage with gooey cheeses. It’s great for family gatherings or a cozy night in.

Start by cooking ziti pasta until it’s al dente. Brown some Italian sausage in a pan for extra flavor.

Mix ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses together for a creamy texture. Layer the pasta, sausage, and cheese mixture in a baking dish.

Top it with marinara sauce and more cheese. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• Cooking spray

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions.
3. In a skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat.
4. In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.
5. Layer pasta, sausage, and cheese mixture in a baking dish.
6. Pour marinara sauce on top and sprinkle with extra mozzarella.
7. Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

2) Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Spaghetti Sauce

Baked ziti with ground beef and spaghetti sauce is a comforting classic. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for family dinners.

Cook ziti pasta and mix it with ground beef sautéed with onions and garlic. Add your favorite spaghetti sauce for extra flavor.

Combine everything in a baking dish and top with a blend of cheeses. Bake until the cheese melts and creates a delicious crust on top.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dry ziti pasta
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 (26-ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions.
3. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
4. Stir in the spaghetti sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, meat sauce, mozzarella, and ricotta.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

3) Creamy Ricotta and Mozzarella Baked Ziti

Creamy Ricotta and Mozzarella Baked Ziti is a delicious comfort food. Enjoy the blend of cheesy goodness and rich flavors in every bite.

This dish combines tender ziti pasta, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella for a tasty meal. Cook the ziti pasta until it’s al dente.

Mix it with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella. Bake until everything is warm and bubbly.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and ricotta.
4. Pour mixture into a baking dish and top with mozzarella.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

4) Spinach-Flecked Baked Ziti with Creme Fraîche

This creamy baked ziti combines the richness of creme fraîche with the freshness of spinach. It offers a delightful twist on a classic dish.

Cook your ziti pasta until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, mix ricotta, creme fraîche, and grated cheese in a bowl.

Fold in fresh spinach. Combine the pasta with the cheese mixture.

Spread the pasta into a baking dish and top with more cheese. Bake until golden brown at 350°F (175°C).

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup creme fraîche
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, mix ricotta, creme fraîche, Parmesan, spinach, egg, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine the pasta with the cheese mixture.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and top with extra cheese.
6. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

5) Ultra Creamy Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti

Ultra Creamy Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti is a delicious twist on a classic dish. Cottage cheese adds creaminess and a rich texture.

Mix cottage cheese with ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and plenty of cheese. Layer everything in a baking dish and bake until the top is lightly browned and cheesy.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) ziti pasta
• 2 cups (480 g) cottage cheese
• 2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp (5 g) garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta al dente according to package instructions.
3. In a large bowl, mix cottage cheese, marinara sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese mixture and stir until combined.
5. Spread half the mixture in a baking dish. Top with half the mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Layer the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

6) Baked Ziti with Homemade Red Sauce

Baked ziti with homemade red sauce is a comforting and delicious dish. It combines pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese.

Start by preparing a simple homemade red sauce with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Cook the sauce until it thickens and develops a rich taste.

Mix the sauce with cooked ziti pasta. Layer the mixture with mozzarella and ricotta cheese in a baking dish.

Bake in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 cups homemade red sauce
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente, then drain.
3. Prepare the homemade red sauce in a pot.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, red sauce, ricotta cheese, and Italian seasoning.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with mozzarella.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

7) Hearty Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Meat Sauce

Hearty baked ziti is a satisfying dish for family dinners. Italian sausage adds a rich flavor.

Cook the ziti pasta until it’s al dente. Brown Italian sausage in a skillet and add marinara sauce.

Combine the pasta with the meat sauce and layers of ricotta and mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven until bubbly and golden brown.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1½ pounds Italian sausage
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions.
3. Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, meat sauce, ricotta, and half of the mozzarella.
6. Transfer to a baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.

8) Cheesy Baked Ziti with Parmesan and Mozzarella

Cheesy baked ziti is a comforting dish that’s easy to make. Enjoy layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of cheese.

Cook your ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and mix it with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

In a baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture and sprinkle more mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Add the remaining pasta and finish with more cheese.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and golden.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 cup low-moisture mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions.
3. Drain the pasta. Mix it with tomato sauce, low-moisture mozzarella, and Parmesan.
4. In a baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture.
5. Add a layer of mozzarella on top. Add the remaining pasta.
6. Sprinkle more cheese on top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.

9) Easy Weeknight Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

Easy Weeknight Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a great dinner for busy nights. This dish combines pasta, ground beef, and cheese.

Cook the ziti pasta until al dente. Brown the ground beef in a skillet while the pasta cooks.

Add your favorite tomato sauce to the beef and let it simmer. Mix the pasta and beef sauce in a baking dish.

Top with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 25 minutes at 350°F (180°C) until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve with a salad or garlic bread.

Ingredients

• 1 lb dry ziti
• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 cups tomato sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook the ziti according to package instructions.
3. Brown the ground beef in a skillet. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning.
5. Combine the cooked ziti and beef sauce in a baking dish.
6. Top with mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

10) Baked Ziti with Layers of Italian Cheeses

Baked ziti combines pasta, sauce, and layers of cheese. Use mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan for a tasty blend that melts well.

Cook ziti noodles until al dente. Prepare your favorite marinara sauce while the pasta cooks.

Layer the pasta, sauce, and mixed cheeses in a baking dish. Repeat the layers until you use all the ingredients.

Top with extra cheese before baking. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the ziti according to the package instructions.

3. Mix ricotta, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

4. In a baking dish, layer ziti, marinara, and cheeses.

5. Keep layering until you use all the ingredients.

6. Add extra mozzarella on top.

7. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove when the dish is bubbly.