Description
Baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a medley of creamy cheeses for a hearty dish that brings everyone together. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, creating lasting memories over a warm, delicious meal. With its bubbling mozzarella topping and customizable ingredients, baked ziti is sure to impress your guests without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes); drain.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat; sauté garlic until fragrant. If using meat, add and brown until cooked through.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of mozzarella and half of Parmesan; mix until smooth.
- Layer the baking dish: spread some marinara sauce on the bottom, followed by half of the cooked ziti, half of the cheese mixture, then repeat layers ending with marinara sauce on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, top with remaining cheeses, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg