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Golden ricotta pasta bake fresh from the oven

Best Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe – Easy Comfort Food

This ricotta pasta bake recipe is the ultimate comfort food—creamy ricotta, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese baked to perfection. Easy, hearty, and family‑friendly.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine Italian, Italian-American
Servings 8
Calories 490 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large stockpot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cheese grater
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Aluminum foil

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound rigatoni or penne pasta
  • 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Oven

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

  • Cook the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until slightly under al dente. Drain well and set aside.

  • Make the Ricotta Filling

    In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, basil, and 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Mix until creamy and well combined.

  • Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Place the cooked pasta in a large bowl. Add marinara sauce and olive oil. Stir until evenly coated.

  • Assemble the Casserole

    Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
    Add half of the pasta mixture.
    Spoon half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta.
    Repeat with the remaining pasta and ricotta mixture.
    Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

  • Bake

    Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
    Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

  • Rest and Serve

    Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture.
  • Freshly grated mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
  • Add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken for extra protein.
  • Mix in spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or kale for added vegetables.
  • Don't overcook the pasta before baking.
  • Let the casserole rest before serving to help the layers set.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze baked or unbaked pasta bake for up to 3 months.
  • For a crispier top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.
Keyword Baked Ziti with Ricotta, Cheesy Pasta Bake, Easy Pasta Casserole, comfort food pasta, family dinner recipe, Italian Pasta Bake, Mozzarella Pasta Bake, Ricotta Pasta Bake, Baked Pasta Recipe