This Gluten Free Baked Ziti recipe is not only a delicious meal but easy to make too. It’s perfect for a family dinner but also a meal prep friendly option for the week.

Plate of Gluten Free Baked Ziti topped with fresh basil.

The worst thing is coming home after a long day and realizing you still have to make dinner. However, this isn’t the worst thing if you know an easy dinner to make.

This is where my Easy Baked Ziti recipe comes into play (can be made gluten free!).

My recipe is a classic version of this popular pasta dish. It is the perfect meal for when you’re tired or in a time crunch.

The recipe uses simple ingredients, is easy to make and spends most of it’s time in the oven so you can take care of other to-do’s while it bakes.

Another bonus to this recipe is that it makes a big tray. Therefore, you can have leftovers throughout the week or make enough for the entire family to enjoy.

Main Ingredients

Ingredients in bowls to make baked ziti.
Jar of pasta sauce used to make baked ziti.

What kind of pasta noodle is in a baked ziti?

Of course the main answer is the ziti shaped noodle. However, when making baked ziti, you want to use any short noodle also like penne or rigatoni.

You wouldn’t want to use a spaghetti, linguine or similar pasta as that will change the end result.

How to Make this Gluten Free Ziti

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F so that it is ready when you’re done making the ziti.
  2. Next, you will want to gather your ingredients, making sure you have enough of each and measuring everything out.
  3. Assemble the baked ziti according to the layers in the recipe card below.
  4. Once the ziti is assembled and ready to go in the oven you will bake the gluten free ziti for about 30 minutes depending on the strength of your oven.
  5. Broil the ziti for 2-3 minutes to get the perfect golden top with the cheese bubbly.
  6. It is important to let the ziti cool before serving. this will allow you to cut it easier in portions.
  7. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days .
Add the ricotta cheese and eggs to a large mixing bowl
Add the ricotta cheese and eggs to a large mixing bowl
Add the grated parmesan cheese to the bowl
Next, add the grated parmesan cheese
Making the ricotta cheese mixture in a bowl
Add the dried basil and oregano
Making the ricotta cheese mixture in a bowl
Mix and fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese
Making the ricotta cheese mixture in a bowl
Mix again until fully combined
Making Gluten Free Ziti
Spread a thin layer of pasta sauce on the bottom of the pan until covered
Making Gluten Free Ziti
Top with a layer of ziti pasta that has been cooked to al dente
Making Gluten Free Baked Ziti
Spread the ricotta cheese mixture on top until fully covered
Making Gluten Free Baked Ziti
Top with more sauce, pasta and then the last layer of sauce
Making Gluten Free Baked Ziti
Spread the remaining shredded mozarella cheese on top
Baked Gluten Free Ziti ready to be eaten.
Bake in the oven
Gluten Free Baked Ziti on a plate, ready to be eaten.
Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you put egg in the ricotta mixture?

Yes! This creates a smooth ricotta texture that binds the pasta together.

What is the best pasta sauce to use?

I love to use a Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce or a Marinara Sauce.

Do I have to cover the baked ziti while baking?

Not for this recipe! The pasta isn’t baking too long so it doesn’t risk burning on top. You would do this so that the cheese and pasta on top don’t overcook or get burnt.

If you need to reheat the ziti in the oven, you can add aluminum foil on top to cover the ziti.

Do I have to use gluten free pasta?

Nope! You can use any short form (ziti or penne) pasta that you like or prefer to use.

Is this recipe meal prep friendly?

Yes it is! You can make this recipe on a Sunday and have it throughout the week. It makes a big batch (about 7-8 servings) and is plenty for you and your loved ones.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container for 1 month.

Slice of Gluten Free Ziti on a plate.
Slice of Gluten Free Ziti on a plate.
5 stars (2 ratings)

Easy Gluten Free Baked Ziti

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
This Gluten Free Baked Ziti recipe is not only a delicious meal but easy to make too. It's perfect for a family dinner but also a meal prep friendly option for the week.
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Ingredients
 

  • 32 oz pasta sauce
  • 16 oz ziti / penne pasta
  • 1 large egg
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella, separated
  • 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp dried basil
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F
  • Boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to only cook until al dente or just before as it will continue to bake in the oven
  • Drain and rinse the pasta when ready
  • In a small bowl, mix the egg, ricotta, 1 cup of the mozzarella, parmesan cheese, dried basil and dried oregano
  • In a 9×13 glass pan, add a thin layer of pasta sauce on the bottom of the pan (about 1 to 1 1/2 cups)
  • Add half of the ziti pasta on top and then spread the ricotta mixture in an even layer on top of the pasta
  • On top of the ricotta mixture add half of the remaining pasta sauce in an even layer
  • Spread the remaining ziti on top, add the sauce and rest of mozzarella cheese on top
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes until slightly golden and bubbly
  • Turn the oven to broil and leave in for an additional 1-2 minutes if you'd like the cheese to get more golden on top
  • Let cool for 15 minutes before slicing and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 465kcal, Carbohydrates: 51g, Protein: 25g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0.003g, Cholesterol: 84mg, Sodium: 858mg, Potassium: 560mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 1045IU, Vitamin C: 8mg, Calcium: 353mg, Iron: 2mg
Author: Jessica Selensky
Course: dinner, lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: baked ziti, easy dinner recipe, easy healthy dinner, gluten free dinner, gluten free pasta, gluten free ziti, Healthy Italian Dinner, italian recipes

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