If you are craving a hearty, cheesy, and soul-warming meal, this Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s the perfect blend of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and not one but three kinds of cheese that create a bubbly, golden top that’s utterly irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to treat yourself to some classic comfort food, this dish hits all the right notes with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet absolutely essential ingredients is your first step toward that glorious plate of baked ziti. Each element plays a vital role—pasta for body, sauce for tang and depth, and the cheeses for that creamy, melty magic you crave.
- 1 pound ziti pasta: The perfect tubular pasta to hold onto sauce and cheese in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the garlic beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives the sauce a fragrant and savory kick you won’t want to miss.
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce: Provides a robust and tangy tomato base loaded with Italian flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic herb that brings warmth and earthiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, slightly peppery note that brightens the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy, dreamy texture that balances out the dish.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts wonderfully for that gooey, cheesy pull.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Imparts a nutty, salty boost to every forkful.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh, herbaceous touch and pretty pops of green.
- Additional 1/2 cup mozzarella and 2 tablespoons Parmesan for topping: These create that irresistible golden crust on top.
How to Make Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your dish is assembled. Cook the ziti according to the package directions until it’s al dente—firm to the bite but tender enough to soak up sauce. Drain it and set it aside; this perfectly cooked pasta is the foundation of your Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just for about a minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned—this step wakes up the flavors. Pour in the marinara sauce, then sprinkle in oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to marry all those Italian-inspired herbs and spices into a luscious, aromatic sauce.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Cheese
In a big mixing bowl, toss together the cooked ziti, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and most of the sauce—reserve about half a cup of sauce for topping later. Stir everything well until every pasta piece is lovingly coated in cheesiness and tomato goodness. This mixture is the heart of your dish, creamy and flavorful in each bite.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the pasta-cheese mixture into it, spreading evenly. Spoon the reserved sauce on top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses; this extra layer turns golden and bubbly as it bakes, creating pure magic. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the top is beautifully browned and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—that little wait helps the flavors settle and the cheese to set just right.
How to Serve Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe

Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds just the right fresh touch and a burst of color that makes the baked ziti look as amazing as it tastes. If you love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes on top can add a subtle kick that elevates the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
Pair your Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness or some garlic bread for doubling down on comfort food vibes. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also make terrific companions, bringing texture and extra nutrients to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive dinner party, serve the baked ziti in individual ramekins, so each guest gets their own bubbly, cheesy portion. You could also layer it with sautéed spinach or mushrooms inside for extra color and flavor twists. Inviting your guests to personalize with fresh basil, grated cheese, or chili flakes at the table makes it interactive and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors only deepen overnight, making it an even better lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes exceptionally well. Assemble it completely, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, or bake from frozen—just add extra baking time and cover with foil initially to prevent over-browning.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until hot and melty or reheat a large batch covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Adding a splash of water or extra sauce helps keep it from drying out as you warm it back up.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of ziti?
Absolutely! Penne or rigatoni will work great too since they have similar shapes that hold onto the sauce nicely.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
You can swap out the cheeses for plant-based versions and use a marinara sauce that’s free of animal products to make a delicious vegan baked ziti.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute the regular ziti with gluten-free pasta, and check that your marinara sauce is gluten-free as well.
Can I add meat or vegetables to Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe?
Definitely! Cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or sautéed veggies like mushrooms and spinach work beautifully if you want to customize the dish.
What type of cheese is best for melting in this recipe?
Mozzarella is ideal because of its excellent meltability and stretchiness, while ricotta adds creaminess and Parmesan brings sharp flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. Its combination of simple ingredients whipped into a cheesy, flavorful dish is the kind of comfort food everyone longs for. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
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Three Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Three Cheese Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American classic that combines tender pasta with a rich blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection in a savory marinara sauce. Perfect as a hearty main course, this vegetarian dish is simple to prepare yet full of flavor, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Additional 1/2 cup mozzarella and 2 tablespoons Parmesan for topping
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and cook pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the marinara sauce and add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–7 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Mix pasta and cheeses: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and most of the marinara sauce—reserve about 1/2 cup of sauce for topping. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with cheese and sauce.
- Assemble in baking dish: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the reserved sauce over the top evenly. Sprinkle the additional 1/2 cup mozzarella and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through evenly.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly, indicating that the dish is fully heated and ready.
- Rest and serve: Let the baked ziti sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make it easier to portion. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Add cooked Italian sausage or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to customize your baked ziti for extra flavor and nutrition.
- This dish can be fully assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, making it a great option for meal prepping or entertaining.