Why You’ll Love This Recipe
White baked ziti offers all the comforting richness of traditional baked ziti but with a luscious, creamy white sauce instead of marinara. It is a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings. The tender pasta is layered with a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, then coated in a silky béchamel or Alfredo-style sauce. Baked until golden and bubbling, this casserole-style pasta delivers a beautiful balance of creamy textures and cheesy goodness. Unlike its tomato-based cousin, this white version has a more delicate, buttery flavor that pairs well with garlic, herbs, and optional add-ins like chicken or vegetables. Whether you are looking for a cozy weeknight meal or an impressive dish for entertaining, white baked ziti is sure to satisfy every pasta lover at your table.
White Baked Ziti: A Creamy Twist on a Classic Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, cheesy twist on classic baked ziti made without tomato sauce, featuring a rich white sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and half of the Parmesan. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, white sauce, ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, and half of the remaining Parmesan.
- Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake covered with foil for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Add cooked chicken or Italian sausage for extra protein.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Great for making ahead—assemble, refrigerate, and bake before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Each ingredient in white baked ziti plays an important role in building layers of creaminess and flavor.
Ziti pasta serves as the heart of the dish, offering a sturdy shape that holds the creamy sauce beautifully. Its tubular structure captures the cheese and sauce in every bite.
Butter provides the base for the béchamel or white sauce, giving it richness and depth.
Flour combines with butter to form a roux, ensuring the sauce thickens properly and coats the pasta evenly.
Milk is the foundation of the creamy sauce, bringing a smooth texture that ties everything together. Whole milk is preferred for its richness.
Ricotta cheese adds a soft, creamy layer inside the baked ziti, balancing the sauce with its mild flavor.
Mozzarella cheese contributes that signature stretch and melt, both inside the dish and on top for a golden finish.
Parmesan cheese deepens the flavor with its salty, nutty notes, complementing the mild creaminess of the other cheeses.
Garlic provides aromatic undertones that enhance the sauce and give it a savory character.
Olive oil can be used alongside butter for sautéing garlic, adding a Mediterranean touch to the flavor profile.
Italian seasoning blends herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to give the dish warmth and a subtle earthiness.
Salt and black pepper ensure the sauce and pasta are perfectly seasoned, balancing the richness of the cheeses.
Fresh parsley is often sprinkled on top for a pop of color and freshness, brightening up the creamy dish.
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
Cook the ziti pasta in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to form a smooth roux. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce. Stir in minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat and fold in some grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and part of the white sauce. Mix gently until everything is coated.
Layer half the pasta mixture in the baking dish, spoon over more white sauce, then repeat with the remaining pasta. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 to 8 servings. Preparation requires around 20 minutes, while baking takes 40 minutes. Altogether, you can expect the dish to be ready in about 1 hour.
Storage/reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave single servings with a splash of milk or cream to keep them moist.
Variations and Customizations
Add protein
Mix in cooked chicken, turkey, or Italian sausage to make the dish heartier.
Vegetarian boost
Include sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor.
Spicy kick
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Cheese variety
Try swapping mozzarella for provolone or fontina, or add goat cheese for tanginess.
Lighter version
Use low-fat milk and part-skim cheeses to make the dish a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor.
Gluten-free option
Choose gluten-free pasta and substitute a gluten-free flour blend in the sauce.
Seafood twist
Fold in shrimp or crab meat for a more decadent version of baked ziti.
Herb-focused flavor
Fresh basil or thyme can be added to the sauce for a more aromatic profile.
FAQs
Can I make white baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use penne instead of ziti?
Absolutely, penne or rigatoni works well as substitutes.
How do I keep baked ziti creamy and not dry?
Make sure to use enough sauce and cover with foil during the first stage of baking.
Can I add Alfredo sauce instead of béchamel?
Yes, Alfredo sauce can be used for a richer, buttery flavor.
How do I freeze baked ziti?
Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen with extra time.
Can I make this dish without ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese or mascarpone can be used as alternatives.
How do I prevent pasta from overcooking?
Cook it just until al dente before baking, as it will soften more in the oven.
What sides pair well with white baked ziti?
A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread make excellent sides.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, substitute plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and olive oil for the dairy ingredients.
Is white baked ziti kid-friendly?
Yes, its mild and creamy flavors are usually a big hit with children.
Conclusion
White baked ziti is a comforting pasta bake that offers a creamy alternative to the traditional tomato-based version. With layers of tender pasta, rich white sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it is a dish that delivers both simplicity and indulgence. Perfect for weeknight meals, special gatherings, or meal prepping, it is versatile enough to adapt with proteins, vegetables, or different cheeses. Once you try this creamy twist on a classic, it may just become your go-to baked pasta recipe.