Ziti shows up more than any other pasta shape on Joe’s Pizza Italian Cuisine & Bar’s pasta menu — seven different preparations, each built around a different sauce. If you’ve stared at the list trying to figure out what actually separates a Ziti Bolognese from a Ziti Arrabiata, here’s the breakdown.
Baked vs. Tossed: Two Different Textures
Two of the seven are baked: Baked Ziti and Baked Ziti with Eggplant go into the oven under a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan, so they arrive with a browned, bubbling top and a firmer, casserole-like texture. The other five — Ala Vodka, Bolognese, Carbonara, Arrabiata, and Ala Pesto Cream Sauce — are tossed pasta dishes, where the ziti is coated in a sauce made separately and served without the baked cheese layer. That single distinction explains most of the texture difference between dishes that otherwise sound similar.
The Seven Ziti Preparations, Compared
| Dish | Style | What's In It | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baked Ziti | Baked | Marinara-Alfredo pink sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan | $12.00 |
| Baked Ziti with Eggplant | Baked | Eggplant, ricotta, house marinara | $14.00 |
| Ziti Ala Vodka | Tossed | House-made vodka sauce — tomato, cream, a touch of vodka | $14.00 |
| Ziti Bolognese | Tossed | Creamy pink sauce with ground beef | $16.00 |
| Ziti Carbonara | Tossed | Crispy bacon, sautéed onions, creamy carbonara sauce | $16.00 |
| Ziti Arrabiata | Tossed | Spicy, creamy arrabbiata sauce | $16.00 |
| Ziti Ala Pesto Cream Sauce | Tossed | House-made pesto cream — basil, Parmesan, cream | $16.00 |
Which Ziti Should You Order?
A few starting points, based on what's actually in each dish:
- Want the classic, mild option? Baked Ziti — marinara-Alfredo pink sauce under melted mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Ordering meatless? Baked Ziti with Eggplant is the vegetarian option, layered with ricotta and marinara.
- Want something rich but not tomato-heavy? Ziti Ala Vodka or Ziti Ala Pesto Cream Sauce both lean creamy — vodka sauce still has a tomato base, while the pesto cream sauce is basil-forward with no tomato at all.
- Want it hearty and meaty? Ziti Bolognese, tossed with savory ground beef.
- Want something smoky and savory? Ziti Carbonara, with crispy bacon and sautéed onions.
- Want heat? Ziti Arrabiata is the spicy option on the list.
Ordering at Joe’s Pizza Italian Cuisine & Bar
All seven ziti dishes are on the regular pasta menu at Joe’s Pizza Italian Cuisine & Bar, 5440 Gran Via St, Fort Worth, TX 76123 — open daily from 11:00 AM (9:00 PM close Monday–Thursday and Sunday, 9:30 PM Friday and Saturday). For a broader look at the pasta program, see the pasta landing page, or browse the rest of the full menu for pizza, chicken, seafood, and more.