Baked Ziti
Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American casserole featuring tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheeses baked to perfection. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs if using. Mix until well combined.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Pour the pasta mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, add cooked Italian sausage or sautéed vegetables to the pasta mixture before baking. Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Find it online: https://cubaqueen.com/easy-baked-ziti-recipe/