Baked Ziti - Easy, Cheesy Comfort Food
This Baked Ziti is a comforting, hearty pasta dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Made with layers of ziti pasta, flavorful marinara sauce, and a blend of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is baked to golden perfection. It’s easy to prepare and sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. You can customize it with your favorite meats or vegetables, making it a versatile recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ziti pasta
- 24 oz (680g) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. If using Italian sausage, cook it until browned and fully cooked. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Mix the cheeses. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
Assemble the ziti. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the pasta, followed by half of the marinara sauce. Repeat with the remaining ziti, cheese mixture, and sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Bake. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve. Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Recipe tips
Try adding sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. Swap out Italian sausage for ground beef or turkey, or leave the meat out for a vegetarian version. You can assemble the ziti ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to cook, bake as directed, adding 10 extra minutes to the covered baking time. Mix in different cheeses like provolone or fontina for a richer taste.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
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