There’s something truly magical about a bubbling pan of baked ziti emerging from the oven on Christmas Day, filling your home with the irresistible aroma of melted cheese and rich tomato sauce. This Christmas Cheesy Easy Baked Ziti transforms a beloved Italian-American classic into a festive centerpiece that’s as comforting as it is crowd-pleasing. With layers of tender pasta, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and a hint of holiday cheer, this dish brings everyone to the table with smiles and anticipation.What makes this recipe especially perfect for the holidays is its beautiful balance of simplicity and indulgence. While Christmas dinner can often feel overwhelming with elaborate preparations and precise timing, this baked ziti comes together in about 45 minutes with minimal fuss, leaving you more time to enjoy with loved ones. The golden, cheese-crusted top and hearty layers underneath make it look like you’ve been cooking all day, yet it’s forgiving enough for even novice cooks to master on their first try.
Why I Love These
This baked ziti delivers restaurant-quality comfort food with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it a stress-free holiday lifesaver.
The triple-cheese combination creates an incredibly creamy, stretchy texture that makes every forkful utterly satisfying, while the baked edges get delightfully crispy and caramelized.
I turn to this recipe whenever I need to feed a crowd on Christmas Eve or when I want a cozy, make-ahead meal that lets me focus on decorating cookies and wrapping last-minute gifts instead of hovering over the stove.
Ingredients
- Ziti pasta
- Marinara sauce
- Ricotta cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Large eggs
- Fresh basil
- Garlic cloves
- Dried oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Red pepper flakes
How To Make
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the ziti pasta to the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate—you want it very al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta thoroughly and return it to the pot, tossing with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the cheese mixture by combining the ricotta cheese, one egg, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, minced garlic (about 2-3 cloves), dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Stir until smooth and well-combined—the mixture should be creamy and spreadable.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the drained pasta in the pot, adding torn fresh basil leaves and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a subtle kick. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in sauce.
- Spread half of the sauced pasta into your prepared baking dish in an even layer. Dollop the ricotta mixture over the pasta layer, then use a spoon to spread it as evenly as possible—don’t worry if it’s not perfect, as it will melt and distribute during baking.
- Top with the remaining pasta and sauce mixture, spreading it to cover the ricotta layer completely. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan generously over the top, making sure to reach all the edges for maximum crispy, cheesy goodness.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbling vigorously around the edges. If you want extra browning, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let the ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving—this allows the layers to set slightly and makes it easier to cut clean portions. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, then serve hot with crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.
Nutrition
This Christmas Cheesy Easy Baked Ziti is a hearty, satisfying dish that provides a solid balance of carbohydrates from the pasta, protein from the three types of cheese and eggs, and vitamins from the tomato-based marinara sauce. Each generous serving delivers comfort and energy, making it ideal for fueling holiday activities and keeping guests satisfied throughout festive celebrations.
The ricotta and mozzarella contribute calcium and protein while keeping the dish creamy, though you can lighten it by using part-skim cheeses or reducing the cheese quantities slightly without sacrificing too much flavor. For a heartier version, consider adding cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the sauce, which boosts protein and creates a more substantial meal.
This recipe contains gluten from the pasta, dairy from multiple cheeses, and eggs in the ricotta mixture, so it’s not suitable for those with these allergies in its standard form. However, you can easily adapt it by using gluten-free ziti, dairy-free cheese alternatives, and replacing the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to accommodate various dietary needs.
Tips & Variations
- Make this dish up to 24 hours ahead by assembling it completely, covering tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and refrigerating until ready to bake—just add 10 extra minutes to the covered baking time if going straight from the fridge to the oven.
- For a festive twist, stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach to the sauce for pops of red and green, or add a layer of pesto between the pasta and ricotta for an herby, aromatic variation.
- Create a vegetarian protein boost by mixing in sautéed mushrooms, diced zucchini, or crumbled tofu seasoned with Italian herbs, which adds nutrition and texture without relying on meat.
- Swap ziti for rigatoni, penne, or even broken lasagna noodles if that’s what you have on hand—the tube shape isn’t critical, though it does help trap the sauce beautifully.
- Upgrade the cheese blend by adding a handful of shredded provolone or fontina for extra depth, or stir some cream cheese into the ricotta mixture for an even creamier, tangier filling.
Ways To Serve Them
- Alongside a crisp Caesar salad with garlic croutons and shaved Parmesan to balance the richness of the pasta
- With warm, crusty garlic bread or focaccia for mopping up every last bit of cheesy sauce
- Next to roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, green beans, or broccoli drizzled with olive oil and lemon
- As part of a Christmas buffet spread with antipasto platters, Italian wedding soup, and tiramisu for dessert
- With a simple arugula salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette to add a peppery, fresh contrast
Proper Storage
- Fridge: Allow the baked ziti to cool to room temperature, then cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers. It will keep well for 3-4 days, and the flavors often deepen and improve after a day in the refrigerator.
- Freezer: This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months—either freeze it unbaked (assemble completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and two layers of foil) or baked (cool completely first, then wrap well). Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
- Reheat: For best results, cover individual portions with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave single servings for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of water or extra marinara to prevent drying. Oven reheating preserves the texture better and can re-crisp the top layer beautifully.
Ingredients
- 450 grams dried ziti pasta
- 720 milliliters shredded mozzarella cheese
- 425 grams ricotta cheese
- 680 milliliters tomato-based pasta sauce
Steps
- Set the oven to 175°C to preheat while preparing the components.
- Cook ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together half the mozzarella, all ricotta, and the entire quantity of pasta sauce until evenly combined.
- Add cooked ziti into the cheese and sauce mixture. Toss well to ensure all noodles are coated evenly.
- Grease a large baking dish with nonstick spray. Transfer the mixed pasta into the dish and spread evenly. Distribute the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Place dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 490 kcal