I almost never keep ricotta cheese on hand unless I have a specific recipe in mind. I designed this baked ziti without ricotta so I didn’t have to get any special ingredients to make it. Instead, I made this dish with pantry staples like dried pasta and jarred marinara sauce, plus cream cheese (which I always have in the fridge or freezer). It’s super simple to put together and it tastes so good!
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover baked ziti without ricotta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F covered with foil for 30-45. minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This baked ziti without ricotta is one of my favorite lazy weeknight meals. I like to serve it with some garlic bread or these Olive Garden style breadsticks. You can also start with a Chicken Caesar Salad, or add zucchini au gratin.
How to Make Baked Ziti without Ricotta Step by Step
Boil the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray an 11×9-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a large saucepan, boil 1 pound of ziti according to package instructions (al dente/no salt), and drain. Heat the Sauce: In the same large saucepan set over medium heat, cook 32 ounces (1 jar) of marinara sauce and 8 ounces (1 brick) of cream cheese together until the cheese melts. Stir often. Coat the Pasta: Add the pasta to the marinara/cheese sauce and mix well. Layer the Pasta and Cheeses: Pour half the marinara/cheese/ziti sauce in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with 8 ounces of mozzarella and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with Basil: Sprinkle the cheeses with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil. Repeat the Layers: Layer the remaining marinara/cheese/ziti sauce over the cheese and top with the remaining 8 ounces of mozzarella and ¼ cup of Parmesan. Bake the Ziti: Cover and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Remove the cover and bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until the baked ziti is bubbly and the cheese is golden. Garnish with the remaining 2 tablespoons of chopped basil.
