Holiday Baked Ziti

There’s nothing quite like the smell of bubbling cheese, rich tomato sauce, and cozy spices filling the house during the holidays. Holiday Baked Ziti brings together all the warmth of tradition with the indulgent comfort of a hearty pasta bake. Layered with creamy ricotta, flavorful ground meat, and gooey mozzarella, it’s the kind of dish that steals the show at any festive gathering. Trust me, your guests will be asking for seconds before you even sit down.

Behind the Recipe

This dish came to life one snowy December evening when we had a full house and not much time. I needed something big, bold, and guaranteed to satisfy. I combined the classic elements of baked ziti with my go-to meat sauce, then added a creamy ricotta layer and a good dose of melty cheese. One bite and it instantly felt like a new holiday tradition. Now, it’s our centerpiece dish every year—easy to make, impossible to forget.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Baked ziti is an Italian-American classic with deep roots in Southern Italy’s love for layered pasta dishes like lasagna. What sets ziti apart is its tubular shape, perfect for trapping sauce and cheese inside each bite. Over time, this dish became a staple at celebrations, potlucks, and holiday feasts in the U.S., where it evolved with the addition of ground meat, creamy ricotta, and generous layers of mozzarella.

Why You’ll Love Holiday Baked Ziti

Here’s why this festive version deserves a spot on your holiday table:

Versatile: Great as a main course or as part of a buffet spread.

Budget-Friendly: Feeds a crowd without stretching your wallet.

Quick and Easy: Simple to prep and assemble, even with homemade touches.

Customizable: Swap the meat, change the cheese, or adjust the spice level to your liking.

Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves melty cheese and baked pasta—it’s a fact.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the day before and bake when needed.

Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day and reheats beautifully.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Here are a few tricks I’ve learned to make this dish truly shine:

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Boil it just until al dente—it finishes cooking in the oven.
• Mix some sauce into the ricotta layer: It gives it extra moisture and flavor.
• Use two kinds of sauce: A combo of marinara and arrabbiata adds depth and a hint of spice.
• Layer generously: Don’t skimp on cheese between layers—it helps hold everything together.
• Let it rest: Wait 10 minutes before serving so the layers settle and it slices cleanly.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

No fancy tools required—just a few basics:

Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.

Large Skillet: To brown the meat and simmer the sauce.

Mixing Bowls: One for the ricotta mixture, one for pasta tossing.

9×13 Baking Dish: The perfect size for layering and baking.

Spatula or Spoon: To spread each layer evenly.

Aluminum Foil: Keeps the top from browning too quickly.

Ingredients in Holiday Baked Ziti

This festive pasta bake brings together simple ingredients with big flavor.

1. Finely Diced Carrots: 3 tablespoons – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
2. Finely Diced Celery: 3 tablespoons – Gives balance and classic aromatic flavor.
3. Finely Diced Onion: 3 tablespoons – Essential for building a savory sauce base.
4. Garlic Cloves: 4, minced – Infuses the sauce with bold, earthy flavor.
5. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons – Used to sauté the aromatics and add richness.
6. Ground Meat (Beef, Turkey, or Sausage): 1 pound – Choose your favorite protein to build the base of the sauce.
7. Antonio Carlo Marinara Sauce: 1 jar (24 oz) – Brings classic, sweet tomato flavor.
8. Antonio Carlo Arrabbiata Sauce: 1 jar (24 oz) – Adds a spicy, zesty kick.
9. Ricotta Cheese: 30 ounces – Creamy and light, perfect for layering.
10. Freshly Shredded Mozzarella: 2 ½ cups total – Melts beautifully for that stretchy, gooey finish.
11. Grated Parmesan: 1 cup total – Adds a salty, nutty note to every bite.
12. Egg: 1, beaten – Helps bind the ricotta mixture.
13. Fresh Chopped Parsley: ¼ cup + extra for topping – Adds color and freshness.
14. Ziti Pasta: 1 pound, cooked al dente – The star of the show, holds up well to baking.
15. Olive Oil Spray or Nonstick Spray: – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredient Substitutions

Want to make it your own? Here are a few easy swaps:

Ground Meat: Use ground chicken or a plant-based meat alternative.

Ricotta Cheese: Try cottage cheese or mascarpone for a twist.

Mozzarella: Substitute with provolone or a mozzarella blend.

Antonio Carlo Sauce: Any high-quality jarred marinara and arrabbiata will work.

Ziti Pasta: Use penne or rigatoni if ziti isn’t available.

Ingredient Spotlight

Ricotta Cheese: This fluffy, creamy cheese brings balance to the rich meat sauce and gooey mozzarella. It lightens the bake and gives every bite a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Antonio Carlo Arrabbiata Sauce: Slightly spicy, packed with flavor, and the perfect complement to mellow marinara—it brings the whole dish to life.

Instructions for Making Holiday Baked Ziti

Time to bring it all together into a golden, cheesy masterpiece.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with olive oil spray.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add diced carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Once meat is fully cooked, pour in both jars of marinara and arrabbiata sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors. Meanwhile, cook ziti until just al dente, then drain.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, beaten egg, ½ cup of the sauce mixture, and chopped parsley. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti with a few ladlefuls of sauce to coat.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Spread a layer of sauce on the bottom of the dish. Add half the pasta, then half the ricotta mixture. Repeat with remaining pasta and ricotta. Top with remaining sauce, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbling.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This dish is all about layers. The tender pasta, creamy ricotta, juicy meat, and bubbling mozzarella all blend together into the ultimate comfort bite. The mix of sweet marinara and spicy arrabbiata gives the sauce complexity, while the cheeses create a creamy, cheesy crown that seals in flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Keep these tips in mind for a smooth, cheesy finish:

• Use freshly shredded cheese—it melts better than pre-shredded.
• If you like extra saucy pasta, reserve a little more sauce for the top layer.
• Cover while baking to prevent the cheese from over-browning.

What to Avoid

Don’t let these common mistakes sneak in:

• Don’t overcook the pasta—it will keep cooking in the oven.
• Don’t skip seasoning the ricotta mixture—it needs that parsley and Parmesan.
• Avoid dry patches by spreading sauce evenly across the top.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 630

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish is a lifesaver during busy holidays. Assemble it a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. You can also freeze it before baking for up to 2 months. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 4–5 days. Reheat covered in the oven or microwave with a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist.

How to Serve Holiday Baked Ziti

Serve this dish with a big green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. Add a side of antipasto for a festive Italian spread. Don’t forget the wine—or sparkling cider!

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftovers are just the beginning of more deliciousness:

• Slice and pack into lunch containers with salad.
• Reheat with an extra spoon of sauce and top with a fried egg.
• Chop and mix with broth for a pasta soup.

Additional Tips

• Use a clear glass baking dish if you want to see the cheesy layers.
• Add fresh basil for a fragrant, herbal boost.
• Make individual portions in ramekins for a party-ready presentation.

Make It a Showstopper

Garnish with extra parsley or fresh basil after baking. Serve on a festive tray or platter with red-and-white linens. Add a dusting of Parmesan just before serving for that snowy holiday look.

Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Version: Omit meat and add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Spicy Twist: Use hot Italian sausage for extra kick.
• White Sauce Option: Replace red sauce with a creamy béchamel or Alfredo.
• Cheesy Overload: Add fontina or provolone for extra melt factor.
• Mini Ziti Cups: Bake in muffin tins for party-sized portions.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it a day before and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Q2: What if I can’t find Antonio Carlo sauces?
Use your favorite jarred marinara and arrabbiata brands.

Q3: Can I use another pasta?
Penne or rigatoni are perfect substitutes.

Q4: How do I keep it from drying out?
Add enough sauce and bake covered for most of the time.

Q5: Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze before baking for best results.

Q6: Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely—spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms work great.

Q7: Do I need to use an egg in the ricotta?
The egg helps bind the cheese layer, but you can skip it if needed.

Q8: What’s the best cheese combo?
Mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, and a sprinkle of provolone if you want extra gooeyness.

Q9: How do I reheat leftovers?
Oven or microwave with a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist.

Q10: Can I bake it in advance and reheat?
Yes, just cover and bake at 350°F until warmed through.

Conclusion

Holiday Baked Ziti is everything a cozy family gathering needs—cheesy, hearty, and full of love in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this dish brings everyone to the table with its irresistible aroma and flavor. Make it once, and it’ll be part of your holiday traditions forever.

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