Fazoli’s Baked Ziti Recipe, Price & Calories 2026

Most fast-casual pasta dishes are forgettable. Overcooked noodles. Watery sauce. Cheese that went cold before it reached your table. Fazoli’s Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is none of that.

It’s penne pasta layered in a rich, seasoned meat sauce, blanketed in melted mozzarella and provolone, and pulled straight from the oven — all for $9.99 with garlic breadsticks on the side. That’s the kind of meal most Italian restaurants charge $16 for and still don’t get right.

This guide covers everything. Price, calories, full nutrition breakdown, allergens, customization tips, and a copycat recipe you can make at home. By the end, you’ll know exactly what makes this dish worth ordering — and how to get the most out of every bite.

Explore: Complete Fazoli’s menu

What Is Fazoli’s Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce?

Fazoli’s Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is an oven-baked pasta dish made with penne pasta, layered in a hearty meat sauce, and finished with a generous blanket of mozzarella and provolone cheeses — melted until golden and bubbly. Every order comes with 2 Signature Garlic Breadsticks fresh from the oven.

Despite the name “ziti,” Fazoli’s uses penne pasta — a closely related tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce beautifully and delivers the same classic baked texture. The meat sauce brings depth and richness, while the two-cheese blend adds a creamy, melted finish that ties the whole dish together.

Fazoli’s Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce Price

Here’s what you pay at participating Fazoli’s locations:

Compared to casual Italian chains where baked pasta easily runs $14–$18, Fazoli’s keeps it accessible without cutting corners on portion or quality.

Try also: Fazoli’s Baked Spaghetti

Fazoli’s Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce Calories

Fazoli’s Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce contains 610 calories per full order — including the 2 Signature Garlic Breadsticks.

That’s a reasonable calorie load for a complete meal. Here’s how it stacks up against what you’d burn to work it off:

Compare that to similar baked pasta dishes elsewhere:

Want to reduce calories further?

Nutrition Facts

Here’s the complete breakdown for Fazoli’s Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce:

Based on a 2,000-calorie daily diet.

Key takeaways from the nutrition profile:

Protein — 28g ✅
That’s a solid protein contribution for a fast-casual meal. It supports muscle maintenance and keeps you fuller for longer. For reference, the average adult needs around 50–60g of protein daily — this dish covers roughly half of that in one sitting.

Dietary Fiber — 7g ✅
Seven grams is genuinely impressive for a pasta dish. The FDA recommends 25–28g of fiber per day. This one serving delivers 28% of that target — largely thanks to the tomato-based meat sauce and the pasta itself.

Sodium — 1,350 mg ⚠️
This is the number to watch. At 56% of the recommended daily value, the sodium level is on the higher end — typical for restaurant pasta dishes. If you’re managing blood pressure or following a low-sodium diet, this is worth factoring in. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day for most adults.

Saturated Fat — 9g ⚠️
At 45% of the daily value, the saturated fat content is primarily driven by the mozzarella and provolone cheese topping. It’s not alarming for an occasional meal, but worth noting for those on a heart-healthy eating plan.

Check also: Fazoli’s Breadsticks

Allergen Information

Fazoli’s Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce contains several common allergens. Fazoli’s allergen menu lists allergens present in ingredients, but may not cover cross-contamination risks. Always inform staff of any severe allergies before ordering.

Here’s the full allergen breakdown:

What this means for common dietary needs:

Gluten-free? No. The penne pasta is wheat-based. Gluten-free options may be available at select Fazoli’s locations. Always confirm with your local restaurant before ordering.

Dairy-free? No. Mozzarella and provolone cheese are both dairy products. This dish is not suitable for lactose-intolerant diners who cannot consume any dairy.

Vegan? No. It contains both dairy and meat-based ingredients.

Vegetarian? No. The meat sauce contains ground beef. Some locations allow you to add or remove proteins for an extra charge — ask your server if a meat-free version is available.

Nut allergy? Safe. This dish contains no tree nuts or peanuts.

⚠️ Important: Fazoli’s kitchens handle multiple allergens simultaneously. Cross-contamination is possible. If you have a severe allergy, speak directly with the restaurant manager before ordering.

Ingredients Breakdown

Fazoli’s Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce uses a short, clean list of Italian-American staples.

How to Order Fazoli’s Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce?

Ordering is simple. Getting the most out of your order takes a little insider knowledge.

Ways to order:

Pro ordering tips:

Ask for unlimited breadstick refills when dining in.
Fazoli’s is famous for this. Dine-in customers get free breadstick refills. Most people don’t ask — but you should.

Request extra meat sauce.
The standard portion is generous. But if you love a saucy, hearty pasta, ask for extra meat sauce on top before baking. Some locations will accommodate this at no extra charge.

Order through the Fazoli’s app for rewards.
Every qualifying purchase earns points through the Fazoli’s Rewards Program. These accumulate toward free menu items. If you’re a regular, this adds up fast.

Double the cheese — just ask.
The mozzarella and provolone topping can often be increased upon request. It takes 30 seconds to ask and dramatically improves the final dish.

Time your order right.
Baked pasta dishes taste best fresh out of the oven. If ordering for delivery, track your order and be ready to eat immediately on arrival. Baked ziti loses its texture as it sits.

Customize your protein:
At some Fazoli’s locations you can swap or add proteins — meatballs, grilled chicken, or Italian sausage — to build a version that suits your preference. Always ask your location what swaps are available.

Can You Customize the Fazoli’s Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce?

Yes — and more than most people realize.

Fazoli’s Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is not a locked-in dish. Several customizations are available at most locations. Here’s what you can change:

Making it work for different diets:

Explore: Fazoli’s Pizza Menu

Best Toppings for a Fazoli’s Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce Experience

The dish is great as-is. These additions make it even better.

When Is It Available?

Fazoli’s Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is available year-round at all participating Fazoli’s locations. It’s a permanent menu item — not a seasonal or limited-time offering. You’ll find it listed under the Baked Pasta Specialties section of the menu, both in-restaurant and online.

It’s available for:

Hours vary by location. Check the Fazoli’s website or app for your nearest restaurant’s operating hours before visiting.

Is It Vegetarian?

No. Fazoli’s Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is not vegetarian. The meat sauce contains ground beef — it’s a core ingredient, not an optional add-on.

This dish is also not vegan, as it contains both meat and dairy. Those following a plant-based diet should check with their local Fazoli’s for any available vegan alternatives.

Best Pairs with Other Fazoli’s Menu Items

Fazoli’s Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce is satisfying on its own. But pairing it wisely turns a good meal into a great one.

Copycat Fazoli’s Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce Recipe

Can’t get to Fazoli’s? Here’s how to nail it at home.

This copycat recipe serves 6 people and takes roughly 1 hour from start to finish. It’s beginner-friendly, budget-smart, and genuinely close to the real thing.

Ingredients

Pasta:

Meat Sauce:

Cheese Mixture:

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Topping:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne or ziti and cook until just al dente — slightly underdone. It will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.

Step 2 — Build the Meat Sauce
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Brown the meat fully and drain excess grease. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the marinara sauce. Stir, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened.

Step 3 — Mix the Cheese
In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and fully blended.

Step 4 — Layer the Dish
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13 baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Add half the cooked pasta. Spoon half the cheese mixture in dollops across the pasta. Add half the meat sauce. Repeat the layers — pasta, cheese mixture, meat sauce.

Step 5 — Add the Cheese Topping
Mix shredded mozzarella and provolone together. Spread evenly over the entire top of the assembled dish.

Step 6 — Bake
Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil. Bake for a further 10–15 minutes until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and slightly caramelized on top.

Step 7 — Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving — this helps the layers set and makes it easier to portion. Garnish with fresh basil. Serve with homemade or store-bought garlic breadsticks for the full Fazoli’s experience.

FAQs

What is Fazoli’s Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce made of?
It’s made with penne pasta layered in a seasoned meat sauce, baked under a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheeses. Every order includes 2 Signature Garlic Breadsticks.

How many calories are in Fazoli’s Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce?
It contains 610 calories per order, including the 2 Signature Garlic Breadsticks.

How much does it cost?
It’s priced at $9.99 at most participating Fazoli’s locations.

Is Fazoli’s Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce vegetarian?
No. The dish contains a ground beef meat sauce as a core ingredient. Ask your location about meat-free substitutions.

Does it contain gluten?
Yes. The penne pasta is wheat-based. Select locations may offer gluten-friendly alternatives — always confirm with staff.

What allergens does it contain?
It contains milk, eggs, wheat, and soy. It does not contain tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish, or fish.

Can I customize it?
Yes. You can request extra cheese, extra meat sauce, added protein, or red pepper flakes. Options may vary by location.

Is it available for delivery?
Yes — through the Fazoli’s app, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub at participating locations.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a conventional oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes for best results. Alternatively, microwave in 90-second intervals until heated through. Cover with foil or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Can I earn rewards on this order?
Yes. Use the Fazoli’s Rewards Program via the app to earn points on qualifying purchases.

Is it available year-round?
Yes. It’s a permanent menu item under Baked Pasta Specialties and is available for dine-in, carry-out, and delivery throughout the year.

What pasta does Fazoli’s use in their Baked Ziti?
Despite the name “ziti,” Fazoli’s uses penne pasta — a closely related tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce equally well and bakes in the same way.

What’s the best drink to pair with it?
Iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water work best. They cut through the richness of the cheese and meat sauce without overpowering the flavor of the dish.

Can I make it spicier?
Yes. Ask for crushed red pepper flakes added on top before baking. Or order the Spicy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage for a fully spiced-up version.

Is it kid-friendly?
Yes. The standard Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce has no heat — it’s mild, cheesy, and consistently popular with children.

Conclusion

Fazoli’s Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce delivers exactly what it promises — a hearty, cheesy, oven-baked Italian classic at a price that makes sense. At $9.99 with breadsticks included, 28g of protein, and 610 calories, it holds its own against far more expensive alternatives. The double-cheese topping, seasoned meat sauce, and perfectly baked penne make this one of the most complete fast-casual pasta dishes available today. Whether you order it at the restaurant, customize it to your taste, or recreate it at home with our copycat recipe — this dish earns its place on the menu every single time.