If you’re craving a dish that combines comfort food with a touch of luxury, look no further than Million Dollar Baked Ziti. This creamy, cheesy baked pasta is an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights and special dinners alike. Packed with rich flavors and easy to prepare, Million Dollar Baked Ziti turns simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing feast that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re new to baked pasta or a seasoned cook, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of creamy sauce, gooey cheese, and tender pasta, making it a must-have in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy schedules.
Creamy Comfort: Loads of melty cheese and a rich sauce make it satisfyingly indulgent.
Versatile: Adaptable to different dietary preferences and ingredient swaps.
Feeds a Crowd: Generous portions that are great for families or guests.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepares well in advance without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Million Dollar Baked Ziti lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients that work together to build layers of flavor and texture. Each component enhances the dish, from the smoothness of the cheeses to the heartiness of the pasta, making every bite irresistibly delicious.

Ziti Pasta: The perfect tubular shape that holds the sauce beautifully.
Ricotta Cheese: Adds creamy richness and a luscious texture to each bite.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts perfectly to bring that iconic gooey stretch.
Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp, salty kick to balance the creaminess.
Marinara Sauce: A flavorful base providing acidity and depth.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Adds savory heartiness and protein.
Onion and Garlic: Build a fragrant foundation for the sauce.
Fresh Basil or Italian Seasoning: Infuses aromatic herbal notes.
Olive Oil: Enhances flavor and helps sauté the veggies and meat.
Salt and Pepper: Essential to elevate all the flavors perfectly.

Variations for Million Dollar Baked Ziti

One of the best parts about Million Dollar Baked Ziti is its incredible flexibility. Feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your taste, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand, making it truly your own signature dish.

Vegetarian Twist: Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a veggie-packed version.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a fiery upgrade.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
Dairy-Free: Swap cheeses for vegan alternatives and use a dairy-free sauce.
Extra Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for added nutrition and color.

How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling ziti pasta in salted water until it’s just al dente. Drain and set aside, as it will continue to cook in the oven and absorb the sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce and Meat

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté minced onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef or Italian sausage, cooking until browned and no longer pink. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, letting the flavors meld for a few minutes.

Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling

In a bowl, combine ricotta, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mix will create the creamy, cheesy layers that bring the dish its signature richness.

Step 4: Combine Pasta with Sauce and Cheese

Toss the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, then fold in the cheese mixture gently to ensure every bite is packed with flavor and creaminess.

Step 5: Assemble the Baked Ziti

Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with some mozzarella, then add the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbling and golden on top. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors settle.

Pro Tips for Making Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Al Dente Pasta: Avoid overcooking the pasta since it will finish cooking in the oven.
Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better and tastes superior to pre-shredded versions.
Layer Well: Layering pasta, sauce, and cheese ensures even distribution of flavors.
Don’t Skip Resting: Letting the baked ziti rest post-baking allows it to firm up and slice neatly.
Customize Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust herbs, salt, and pepper before baking.

How to Serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Garnishes

Finish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley for a bright, fresh contrast. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can make the presentation feel restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Pair this rich and hearty baked ziti with a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread to soak up every luscious bite. Roasted vegetables also complement the creamy, cheesy pasta beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in mini baking dishes or ramekins for elegant dinner parties, or bring it to potlucks in a large casserole dish that’s ready to share. Adding a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking adds delightful crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Million Dollar Baked Ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping it fresh and flavorful for next-day meals.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Assemble the baked ziti, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Covering with foil prevents the cheese from drying out and keeps the moisture locked in.

FAQs

Can I make Million Dollar Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready. This saves time and allows flavors to develop even more.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Ziti is ideal because of its shape, but penne or rigatoni are great alternatives that also hold sauce well.

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes, feel free to experiment with cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Definitely! Use plant-based cheeses and substitute meat with lentils or vegan sausage crumbles, along with a dairy-free marinara sauce.

How spicy is Million Dollar Baked Ziti?

The base recipe is mild, but you can add spices or hot peppers to boost the heat according to your preference.

Final Thoughts

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is that irresistible comfort food that combines velvety cheese, flavorful sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta into one delicious dish. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a total winner that’s quick to make and easy to customize. Give it a try tonight—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this creamy, cheesy classic in your recipe collection!

Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Print Recipe

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish that perfectly blends comfort food with a touch of luxury. Featuring rich layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses combined with savory meat and a flavorful marinara sauce, this recipe is quick to prepare, versatile, and ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Its balanced creaminess, gooey cheese, and tender pasta make it a crowd-pleaser and a must-have in any dinner rotation.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta used)

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 pound ziti pasta

Cheese Mixture

1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce and Meat

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
3 cups marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or fresh basil

Seasonings and Garnishes

Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh chopped basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling ziti pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside, as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven and absorb the sauce.
Prepare the Sauce and Meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté minced onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned and no longer pink. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, allowing the flavors to meld for a few minutes.
Mix the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture will create the creamy, cheesy layers that bring richness to the dish.
Combine Pasta with Sauce and Cheese: Toss the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, then fold in the cheese mixture gently to ensure every bite is creamy and flavorful.
Assemble the Baked Ziti: Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with some mozzarella cheese, then add the remaining pasta mixture. Top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbling and golden on top. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and it to firm up for easier slicing.

Notes

Al Dente Pasta: Avoid overcooking the pasta during boiling, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better and has superior flavor compared to pre-shredded.
Layer Well: Layer pasta, sauce, and cheese for even distribution of flavors.
Don’t Skip Resting: Let the baked ziti rest after baking to firm up and slice neatly.
Customize Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust herbs, salt, and pepper before baking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: baked ziti, creamy baked pasta, Italian comfort food, cheesy pasta bake, easy weeknight dinner, crowd-pleasing pasta