San Giorgio baked ziti is the original meatless baked ziti recipe straight from the box. Made with ricotta, mozzarella, and pasta sauce, it comes together quickly and bakes up bubbly and golden.
San Giorgio Baked Ziti Recipe (From the Box)
San Giorgio baked ziti is one of those classic pasta box recipes that has been around for years. It's a simple, reliable combination of ziti, ricotta, mozzarella, and pasta sauce that bakes into a hearty casserole.
This version follows the original recipe from the box, with the same ingredient balance and method that makes it easy to put together with pantry staples. If you've ever saved the back of the box or gone looking for it again, this is that familiar recipe.
It's often searched as the San Giorgio baked ziti recipe on the box, especially in areas where the pasta isn't easy to find.
Why You'll Love This San Giorgio Baked Ziti Recipe
This classic meatless baked ziti recipe is the original version from the back of the San Giorgio pasta box. It's not always easy to find depending on where you live, which is why so many people go looking for it again.
When I moved across the country, I was glad I had written it down since San Giorgio pasta isn't available where I live now. It's been a family favorite for years.
- Classic box recipe: This is the original San Giorgio baked ziti many people remember.
- Meatless and budget-friendly: Uses simple pantry ingredients without sacrificing flavor.
- Weeknight easy: Mix, bake, and serve with minimal prep.
Ingredients Overview
This San Giorgio baked ziti uses simple, familiar ingredients you likely already have on hand. Ziti pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, and pasta sauce come together to create that classic baked ziti texture and flavor.
If you don't have San Giorgio pasta, any brand of ziti works just fine. You can also substitute other tube-shaped pastas like penne, rigatoni, or mostaccioli with similar results.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How To Make San Giorgio's Meatless Baked Ziti
This is a simple mix-and-bake recipe that doesn't take much effort. Once the pasta is cooked, everything comes together in one bowl before going into the oven.
Step 1: Heat the oven to 375°F. Cook the ziti according to the package directions, then toss with 1 tablespoon of oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, Mozzarella, egg and seasonings.
Step 3: Add the pasta sauce to the bowl of mixed cheese mixture.
Step 4: Mix the pasta sauce into the the cheese, egg, and spice mixture until evenly combined.
Step 5: Transfer the pasta sauce and cheese mixture to the pan of drained cooked ziti noodles and stir until all the ziti pasta is coated.
Step 6: Pour the ziti and pasta sauce mixture into a 9 x 13 casserole or other shallow baking dish and spread out evenly.
Step 7: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and lightly cover with foil. Bake 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
This meatless baked ziti is a meatless dish that when pair with a salad and some dinner rolls is a complete meal. Finish the meal with a dessert with a rich chocolate brownie lasagna.
Substitutions and Variations
- Pasta options: Use penne, rigatoni, or mostaccioli if you don't have ziti.
- Ricotta substitute: Small curd cottage cheese works as a lower-cost alternative.
- Make it meaty: Add cooked ground beef or sausage to the cheese mixture before baking.
- Add a little heat: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
- Cheese variations: Use part-skim or whole milk mozzarella depending on how rich you want the dish.
Tips for Success
- Cook the pasta al dente: Slightly firm pasta holds its shape and won't become mushy as it bakes.
- Use whole milk ricotta for richer flavor: It gives the casserole a creamier texture.
- Add meat if you want a heartier dish: Stir in cooked ground beef or sausage before baking.
Storage Options
This baked ziti stores well and can be made ahead for easy meals later.
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze before baking: Assemble the ziti in the baking dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Bake from thawed: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until hot and melted.
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Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe is traditionally made with ziti, but any tube-shaped pasta like penne, rigatoni, or mostaccioli works well.
Small curd cottage cheese is a common substitute and works well in this recipe.
You don't have to, but loosely covering it helps the casserole heat through evenly. Make sure the foil doesn't touch the cheese so it doesn't stick.
Bake uncovered for the last 15 to 20 minutes so the cheese can brown. If you used foil earlier, remove it during the final part of baking to help the top turn lightly golden.
Yes, this is the classic meatless baked ziti recipe that appears on the back of many San Giorgio pasta boxes.
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Get The Recipe!
San Giorgio Baked Ziti (Meatless Baked Ziti)
Equipment
- Braiser Dutch Oven 4 qt
- Round Cast Iron Skillet - 12 Inch
Ingredients
- 16 oz Ziti pasta San Giorgio or any other ziti pasta brand
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 15 oz Ricotta cheese
- 8 oz Mozzarella cheese shredded
- ¼ cup Parsley chopped, fresh
- 1 Egg
- 1 teaspoon Oregano dried or fresh
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- 24 oz Pasta sauce
- 3 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F. Cook the ziti according to the package directions, then toss with 1 tablespoon of oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the sauce.16 oz Ziti pasta, 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, Mozzarella, chopped parsley, egg and oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.15 oz Ricotta cheese, 8 oz Mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup Parsley, 1 Egg, 1 teaspoon Oregano, ½ teaspoon Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Salt, ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- Add the pasta sauce to the bowl of mixed cheese mixture.24 oz Pasta sauce
- Mix the pasta sauce into the the cheese, egg, and spice mixture until evenly combined.
- Transfer the pasta sauce and cheese mixture to the pan of drained cooked ziti noodles and stir until all the ziti pasta is coated.
- Pour the ziti and pasta sauce mixture into a 9 x 13 casserole or other shallow baking dish and spread out evenly.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and lightly cover with foil. Bake 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Remove and garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.3 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
Notes
- To make sure that your pasta is cooked al dente, be sure to follow the package directions. Al dente pasta is slightly firm to the bite and will not become mushy when baked.
- If you want a richer flavor, you can use whole milk ricotta cheese.
- For a meaty version of this dish, add cooked ground beef or sausage to the ricotta cheese mixture.
Nutrition
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