Imagine a warm, cheesy dish bubbling in the oven, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma. Baked ziti is the kind of comfort food that wraps you in a cozy embrace, perfect for any day of the week. Let’s explore some delightful recipes that will have your taste buds dancing with joy!
Classic Cheesy Baked Ziti
This recipe is a timeless favorite that combines the rich flavors of marinara sauce and gooey cheese. With ziti pasta, ground beef, and a blend of mozzarella and ricotta, every bite is a taste of home.
What makes this dish so special is the layers of flavor. The savory ground beef melds beautifully with the tangy marinara, while creamy ricotta adds a delightful texture. Topped off with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella, it’s baked until perfectly golden and bubbling.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Italian seasoning (optional)
Vegetarian Baked Ziti

BEST Vegetarian Baked Ziti from The Mediterranean Dish
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Penne pasta, zucchini, marinara sauce, bell pepper, red onion Total Time: 55 mins.

Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables from Cookie and Kate
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Cottage cheese, penne pasta, cauliflower, marinara sauce, red bell pepper Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins.

Vegan Baked Ziti from Nora Cooks
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Vegan ground beef, nutritional yeast, ziti pasta, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese Total Time: 50 mins.
<pIf you’re looking for a meatless option that’s just as satisfying, this vegetarian baked ziti is a winner! Packed with colorful veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach, it’s a delicious way to sneak in some greens.
The combination of roasted vegetables and a zesty marinara sauce creates a vibrant flavor profile. Layered with creamy ricotta and stretchy mozzarella, it’s hearty enough to please even the most devoted carnivores in your life!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
BBQ Chicken Baked Ziti
For a fun twist on the classic, try this BBQ chicken baked ziti! The smoky, sweet flavor of barbecue sauce pairs perfectly with tender chicken and creamy cheese, creating a dish that’s bursting with excitement.
What sets this recipe apart is the unique blend of flavors. The chicken is coated in BBQ sauce before being mixed with the pasta and cheese, giving each bite a deliciously tangy kick. Topped with crispy onions, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pesto Baked Ziti

Pesto Baked Ziti from Food with Feeling
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Yellow squash, spinach, pine nuts, ziti pasta, cherry tomatoes Total Time: 35 min.

Pesto and Sausage Baked Ziti from Mel's Kitchen Cafe
Rating: 4.6. Ingredients: Chicken sausage, ricotta cheese, pesto, ziti noodles, diced tomatoes Total Time: 1 hr 5 min.

Baked Ziti with Pesto Ricotta from The Bite with Jackie
Ingredients: Ground beef, red wine, tomato sauce, ziti pasta, fresh mozzarella Total Time: 1 hr 10 min.
If you love the vibrant taste of basil, this pesto baked ziti will be your new go-to! This recipe combines the creamy, herbal goodness of pesto with cheese and ziti pasta for a dish that’s fresh and full of flavor.
What makes this dish so special is the use of pesto, which adds a unique twist compared to traditional marinara. Tossed with ziti and layered with mozzarella and ricotta, it’s a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of summer any time of year!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste