Description
This classic Baked Ziti recipe features tender pasta combined with rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese. Seasoned with Italian herbs and baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing Italian-American casserole perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Cheeses
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into a baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta. Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, and finish by topping with the rest of the mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown. Remove from oven and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the pasta mixture before assembling.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta in step 1; it should be al dente as it will cook further in the oven.
- Let the baked ziti rest for about 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
- You can substitute zucchini or spinach into the dish to add some vegetables.
- Use whole milk ricotta for creamier texture or part-skim for a lighter option.
