Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses

Introduction

Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses is the ultimate comfort dish: bubbling, golden, and loaded with gooey cheese, it’s the perfect recipe to wow a crowd or feed a hungry family. With layers of pasta, savory tomato sauce, and three distinct cheeses, this casserole checks every box for flavor, texture, and satisfaction.

What makes this baked ziti stand out? It’s the melty trio of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan, which meld together into a luscious topping, creating a dish that’s creamy in the center and perfectly crisp on top.

The Irresistible Appeal of Three-Cheese Baked Ziti

Unlike other pasta bakes, this version delivers distinct cheesy layers and pockets of ricotta with every bite. The pasta stays perfectly al dente, wrapped in robust tomato sauce and crowned with a golden, bubbling cheese crust. It’s easy to prepare in advance, making it a staple for both weeknight meals and special occasions.

Assembling Your Baked Ziti Layers with Ease

For the sauce, combine sautéed onions and garlic with tomatoes and Italian seasoning, then let it simmer for depth of flavor. Use a sturdy Bamboo Cutting Board to quickly chop your onions and garlic. Want even more speed in prep? A Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper can save you time and ensure uniform pieces for a perfectly textured sauce.

Once your pasta is cooked (leave it slightly underdone—it will finish in the oven), toss it with half the sauce, spoon into a baking dish, and layer with dollops of creamy ricotta, grated mozzarella, and a sprinkling of Parmesan. Repeat the layering, finishing with a blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan for a crisp top.

Baking and Serving Your Ziti

Line your casserole with a piece of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy removal and cleanup. Bake until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown, then let it rest for a few minutes—this helps the layers set for perfect slices.

Pair servings of baked ziti with a crisp green salad, and store leftovers in airtight Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for easy reheating.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 8 hearty servings. Each portion includes approximately 420–500 calories, depending on cheese choice and serving size. Considering its richness, a simple salad provides the perfect nutritional balance.

Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses (Recap)

This baked ziti is robust, cheesy, and full of flavor, making it a go-to for gatherings and weeknight dinners alike. Its irresistible combination of three cheeses and classic Italian flavors guarantees it will be a hit every time.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with a sheet from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy release and cleanup.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet (such as the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet). Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. In a large bowl, mix the drained pasta with half the tomato sauce. Spoon half the mixture into the baking dish. Dollop with half the ricotta, then sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat to create a second layer with remaining ingredients.
6. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes