13 Delicious Baked Ziti Plus Recipes

Variety is the spice of life, and when it comes to comfort food, baked ziti is a dish that never disappoints. Whether you’re craving something cheesy, meaty, or veggie-packed, our roundup of 13 delicious baked ziti recipes has got you covered. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, these recipes are sure to bring warmth and joy to your table. Let’s dive into these mouthwatering variations that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Classic Baked Ziti Plus with Ricotta and Mozzarella

Alright, let’s dive into making this comforting Classic Baked Ziti Plus with Ricotta and Mozzarella. It’s the perfect dish for when you’re craving something hearty and cheesy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of ziti pasta
• A splash of olive oil
• 1 jar (24 oz) of your favorite marinara sauce
• A couple of cups of ricotta cheese
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• A handful of grated Parmesan cheese
• A pinch of salt and pepper
• A sprinkle of dried basil

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures it’s hot enough to melt all that cheese perfectly.
2. Boil the ziti in a large pot of salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Drain the pasta and toss it with a splash of olive oil to keep it from clumping together.
4. In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with the marinara sauce, ricotta, and half the mozzarella. Tip: Save some sauce to layer on top for extra flavor.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan and dried basil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Tip: Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to set.

Unbelievably cheesy and comforting, this baked ziti is a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with a crisp salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.

Spicy Baked Ziti Plus with Sausage and Peppers

Dig into this hearty, spicy baked ziti that’s packed with flavor and just the right amount of kick. It’s perfect for those nights when you’re craving something comforting but still want a little excitement on your plate.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 pound of Italian sausage, casings removed
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• A splash of red wine
• 24 ounces of marinara sauce
• A couple of cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• A pinch of red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to get it just right

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grab a large baking dish.
2. Boil the ziti in salted water until it’s al dente, about 8 minutes, then drain.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then brown the sausage, breaking it up as it cooks.
4. Toss in the bell peppers and garlic, cooking until they’re soft, about 5 minutes.
5. Pour in a splash of red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any tasty bits.
6. Stir in the marinara sauce and a pinch of red pepper flakes, letting it simmer for a couple of minutes.
7. Mix the cooked ziti into the sauce, then transfer half to the baking dish.
8. Sprinkle half the mozzarella and Parmesan over the top, then repeat with the remaining ziti and cheeses.
9. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to let everything set.

Fantastic right out of the oven, this ziti is creamy, cheesy, and with just enough spice to keep things interesting. Try serving it with a crisp green salad to balance the richness.

Vegetarian Baked Ziti Plus with Spinach and Mushrooms

Kickstart your week with this comforting vegetarian baked ziti, packed with spinach and mushrooms for a hearty, flavorful twist on the classic. It’s the perfect dish to satisfy those pasta cravings while sneaking in some greens.

Ingredients

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 2 cups of your favorite marinara sauce
• a couple of cups of fresh spinach
• 8 oz sliced mushrooms
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• a splash of olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• a pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grab a large baking dish.
2. Boil the ziti in salted water until al dente, about 8 minutes, then drain.
3. While the pasta cooks, heat a splash of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and garlic, sautéing until the mushrooms are golden, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the spinach until just wilted, then remove from heat.
5. In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti, sautéed veggies, marinara sauce, ricotta, and half the mozzarella. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. Pour the mixture into the baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella.
7. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Rich and creamy with a satisfying bite from the al dente pasta, this baked ziti is a crowd-pleaser. Try serving it with a side of garlic bread for an extra cozy meal.

Creamy Baked Ziti Plus with Alfredo Sauce

Mmm, imagine digging into a dish that’s the perfect blend of comfort and luxury. That’s what you get with this creamy baked ziti plus, where alfredo sauce takes it to the next level.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of ziti pasta
• 2 cups of heavy cream
• 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• a splash of olive oil
• a couple of garlic cloves, minced
• a pinch of salt and pepper
• a handful of fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grab a large baking dish.
2. Boil the ziti in salted water until al dente, about 8 minutes, then drain and toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. In a saucepan, warm the heavy cream over medium heat, then whisk in the Parmesan until smooth. Tip: Keep the heat low to avoid curdling.
4. Stir the minced garlic into the sauce, then mix in the cooked ziti until everything’s well coated.
5. Pour half the ziti into the baking dish, sprinkle with half the mozzarella, then repeat the layers. Tip: Layering cheese ensures every bite is gooey.
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Tip: Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
7. Garnish with fresh basil and a crack of black pepper.

Kind of magical how the edges get crispy while the inside stays creamy, right? Serve it with a side of garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of that alfredo goodness.

Baked Ziti Plus with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce

Feeling like you need a hearty, comforting dish that’s easy to whip up? This baked ziti plus with ground beef and tomato sauce is your go-to for a satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 12 ounces of ziti pasta
• a couple of cups of your favorite tomato sauce
• a splash of olive oil
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• a handful of grated Parmesan cheese
• a pinch of salt and pepper
• a teaspoon of garlic powder

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures it’s hot enough to get that cheese perfectly melted and bubbly.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8 minutes. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. While the pasta cooks, heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Tip: Drain any excess fat for a lighter dish.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce and garlic powder, letting it simmer for a couple of minutes to blend the flavors. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Drain the pasta and mix it with the beef and sauce in the skillet. Tip: Reserve a little pasta water to adjust the sauce’s thickness if needed.
6. Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan, then repeat the layers.
7. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Kind of amazing how the edges get crispy while the inside stays creamy, right? Serve it straight from the oven with a side of garlic bread for that extra comfort factor.

Cheesy Baked Ziti Plus with Four Cheeses

So, you’re craving something cozy, cheesy, and utterly comforting? This Cheesy Baked Ziti Plus with Four Cheeses is your ticket to flavor town. It’s easy, it’s bubbly, and it’s packed with all the good stuff.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of ziti pasta
• A couple of cups of marinara sauce
• A splash of olive oil
• 1 cup of ricotta cheese
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup of shredded provolone cheese
• A pinch of salt and pepper
• A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures everything bakes evenly.
2. Boil the ziti in a large pot of salted water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Drain the pasta and toss it with a splash of olive oil to keep it from clumping.
4. In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with marinara sauce, ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Tip: Save some cheese for the top for that golden crust.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Tip: Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to set.
7. Garnish with chopped basil for a fresh contrast.

Perfectly gooey with a crispy top, this ziti is a cheese lover’s dream. Serve it with a crisp salad to cut through the richness, or enjoy it straight from the dish—no judgment here.

Baked Ziti Plus with Chicken and Pesto

You know those days when you crave something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? This Baked Ziti Plus is your answer—packed with chicken and pesto for that extra flavor kick.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 2 cups shredded chicken (about 1 lb cooked)
• 1 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• a splash of olive oil
• a couple of garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a splash of olive oil.
2. Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti, shredded chicken, pesto, crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Transfer half of the ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish, sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/4 cup of Parmesan.
5. Add the remaining ziti mixture on top, then finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Now, the baked ziti comes out with a perfect cheese pull, the pesto adds a fresh herby note, and the chicken makes it hearty. Try serving it with a side of garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Baked Ziti Plus with Eggplant and Parmesan

This baked ziti plus is the ultimate comfort food with a twist. You’ll love how the eggplant adds a meaty texture without the meat, and the parmesan brings a salty, cheesy goodness that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of ziti pasta
• 2 cups of your favorite marinara sauce
• 1 medium eggplant, diced into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• A splash of olive oil
• A couple of garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grab a large baking dish.
2. Boil the ziti in salted water until al dente, about 8 minutes, then drain.
3. While the pasta cooks, heat a splash of olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the eggplant until it’s golden and tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic to the eggplant and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti, sautéed eggplant, marinara sauce, half the parmesan, and all the mozzarella cheese.
6. Pour the mixture into the baking dish and sprinkle the remaining parmesan on top.
7. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
8. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Here’s a tip: if you’re into a bit of crunch, broil the baked ziti for the last 2 minutes. The eggplant becomes wonderfully tender, and the cheeses create a gooey, stretchy layer that’s irresistible. Serve it with a side of garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of saucy goodness.

Baked Ziti Plus with Butternut Squash and Sage

Think about the last time you craved something cozy yet a bit fancy. This baked ziti, loaded with butternut squash and sage, hits all the right notes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of ziti pasta
• 2 cups of diced butternut squash, about a medium squash
• A couple of tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• A splash of white wine (optional, but nice)
• 2 cups of marinara sauce
• 1 cup of ricotta cheese
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella
• A handful of fresh sage leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to get it just right

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Get that pasta water boiling too.
2. Toss the butternut squash with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25 minutes until it’s tender and a bit caramelized.
3. While the squash roasts, cook the ziti until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. In a skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until soft. Tip: Don’t rush this; sweetness comes with time.
5. Add a splash of white wine to the skillet, letting it reduce slightly. Stir in the marinara sauce.
6. Combine the cooked ziti, roasted squash, and sauce in a large bowl. Mix in the ricotta and half the mozzarella. Tip: The ricotta adds creaminess without being too heavy.
7. Transfer everything to a baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and the chopped sage.
8. Bake for 20 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Tip: For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes.

Ready to dig in? The ziti is creamy, with sweet squash and earthy sage. Try serving it with a crisp salad to balance the richness.

Baked Ziti Plus with Shrimp and Garlic Cream Sauce

Think about the last time you craved something creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting. That’s exactly what this Baked Ziti Plus with Shrimp and Garlic Cream Sauce delivers, with a seafood twist that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Ingredients

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• A splash of olive oil
• A couple of fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper, just enough to season

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grab a large pot to boil the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8 minutes.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until pink, about 2 minutes per side. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the shrimp to ensure they sear nicely.
3. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the minced garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine.
4. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Tip: Keep the heat low to prevent the sauce from separating.
5. Drain the ziti and toss it with the garlic cream sauce and shrimp. Transfer everything to a baking dish and top with mozzarella.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Tip: For an extra crispy top, broil for the last 2 minutes.
7. Garnish with chopped basil before serving.

Here’s the deal: the ziti comes out perfectly tender, enveloped in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with juicy shrimp in every bite. Serve it straight from the oven with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Baked Ziti Plus with Artichokes and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

You know those days when you crave something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? This baked ziti is your answer—packed with artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes for that extra punch of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of ziti pasta
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• a couple of cloves of garlic, minced
• a splash of olive oil
• 1 can (14 oz) of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups of marinara sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the chopped artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet, cooking for another 2 minutes to soften them slightly.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Combine the cooked ziti with the sauce in the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
7. Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/2 cup of Parmesan. Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheeses.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Keep in mind, the artichokes add a nice bite, while the sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet tanginess. Perfect for a cozy dinner, or pack it for lunch—it’s just as good the next day.

Baked Ziti Plus with Broccoli and Cheddar

Let’s talk about a dish that’s a crowd-pleaser any day of the week. Baked ziti gets a tasty upgrade with broccoli and cheddar, making it a hearty meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 2 cups of broccoli florets
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• A splash of olive oil
• A pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grab a baking dish.
2. Boil the ziti in salted water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. While the pasta cooks, steam the broccoli florets for 5 minutes until bright green. Tip: Don’t overcook; they’ll soften more in the oven.
4. Drain the pasta and toss it with a splash of olive oil to keep it from clumping.
5. Mix the ziti, broccoli, marinara sauce, and half the cheddar in the baking dish. Tip: Layer the ricotta in dollops for creamy pockets.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Serve this baked ziti straight from the oven for the best experience. The melted cheddar and tender broccoli create a perfect texture contrast. Try pairing it with a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Baked Ziti Plus with Pancetta and Peas

Ready to dive into a cozy, comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week? This baked ziti plus with pancetta and peas is a hearty, flavorful twist on the classic you know and love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of ziti pasta
• 8 ounces of pancetta, diced
• 1 cup of frozen peas
• 2 cups of marinara sauce
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• A splash of olive oil
• A couple of garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grab a large baking dish.
2. Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until it’s just shy of al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain it and set aside.
3. While the pasta cooks, heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until it’s crispy, about 5 minutes.
4. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce, frozen peas, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
6. Mix the cooked ziti into the sauce until everything’s well coated.
7. Pour half of the ziti mixture into the baking dish, sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan, then repeat with the remaining ziti and cheeses.
8. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to let it set.

Every bite of this baked ziti is a perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy. Try serving it with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread for a meal that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Conclusion

Variety is the spice of life, and our roundup of 13 Delicious Baked Ziti recipes offers just that! From classic to creative, there’s a dish for every taste. We’d love for you to try these recipes, share which ones are your favorites in the comments, and spread the love by pinning this article on Pinterest. Happy cooking!