Ina Garten Baked Ziti Recipe

If you love easy and comforting pasta dishes, this Ina Garten Baked Ziti Recipe is perfect. Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American meal.

It has pasta, rich tomato sauce and melted cheese. Many people enjoy it because it is filling and easy to make. You do not need special cooking skills to make it taste amazing.

The cheese is gooey, the sauce is flavorful and the pasta is soft but firm. In this post, I will show how to make Ina Garten Baked Ziti, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.

My Experience With This Recipe

I first tried this Ina Garten Baked Ziti Recipe last week. I loved how easy it was to prepare. The tomato sauce was full of flavor and the cheese melted perfectly.

My family asked for seconds. Even beginners can make this recipe with confidence. The pasta holds the sauce well, and the top layer of cheese gets golden and bubbly.

This dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. It is comforting, filling and makes the kitchen smell amazing.

Recipe Card Info

• Recipe Name: Ina Garten Baked Ziti
• Servings: 6–8
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Calories: 520 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Saucepan for tomato sauce
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil (optional)
• Oven mitts

Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Baked Ziti Recipe

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 3 cups marinara or tomato sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat the Oven

Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.

2. Boil Pasta

Cook ziti pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and toss lightly with olive oil.

3. Prepare Tomato Sauce

In a saucepan, heat tomato sauce with garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally.

4. Mix Ricotta and Sauce

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with 1/2 cup of tomato sauce. Stir until smooth.

5. Layer Pasta

Place half of cooked ziti in baking dish. Spread half of ricotta mixture evenly on top.

6. Add Cheese

Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella over ricotta layer. Add a little Parmesan if desired.

7. Add Remaining Pasta

Add the remaining ziti over the cheese layer. Spread remaining ricotta mixture evenly.

8. Top With Cheese

Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Ensure even coverage for golden cheese.

9. Cover and Bake

Cover dish with foil. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes to heat thoroughly.

10. Remove Foil and Bake

Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes. Cheese should be golden and bubbly.

11. Let it Rest

Take out from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. This helps the layers set.

12. Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy cheesy, delicious baked ziti.

Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Baked Ziti Recipe

• Do not overcook pasta; it will bake more in the oven.
• Use fresh mozzarella for gooey cheese.
• Stir sauce occasionally to avoid burning.
• Cover with foil to prevent cheese from browning too fast.
• Let baked ziti rest before cutting to keep layers intact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking pasta makes it mushy after baking.
• Skipping olive oil may make pasta stick together.
• Using low-quality cheese affects flavor.
• Not seasoning sauce properly makes dish bland.
• Forgetting to cover while baking can burn cheese.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve Ina Garten Baked Ziti with a side salad or garlic bread. Pair with red wine or sparkling water.

This dish is perfect for casual dinners, potlucks or family meals. You can add fresh herbs on top for extra color and flavor. It is filling, comforting and loved by both kids and adults.

Variations You Can Try

• Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a meaty version.
• Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach or zucchini for extra veggies.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for healthier options.
• Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Layer with pesto sauce for extra flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.
• Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes until warm.
• Cover with foil while reheating to keep moisture.
• Do not freeze if using fresh basil; add fresh after reheating.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	520 kcal
Carbohydrates	55 g
Protein	25 g
Fat	25 g
Saturated Fat	12 g
Sugar	8 g

Health Benefits

This dish provides protein from cheese and pasta. Tomato sauce adds vitamin C and antioxidants. Using olive oil adds healthy fats.

Adding vegetables increases fiber and nutrients. While it is rich and comforting, enjoy in moderation for a balanced meal. Pair with salad to make it healthier.

FAQs about Ina Garten Baked Ziti Recipe

Q1: Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it a day before and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for fresh, hot pasta.

Q2: Can I use different pasta?
Yes, penne or rigatoni work well. Avoid very thin pasta; it may overcook.

Q3: Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes, freeze before baking. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 extra minutes.

Q4: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, skip meat and add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.

Q5: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and tastes fresher.

Final Thoughts

This Ina Garten Baked Ziti Recipe is easy, comforting and full of flavor. The pasta is soft, sauce is rich and cheese is golden and bubbly.

Even beginners can make it successfully. Follow the steps carefully, use fresh ingredients and your baked ziti will impress everyone.

Serve warm, pair with sides and enjoy a classic, delicious Italian-American meal. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks or any cozy night. It is simple, tasty and sure to become a favorite.