Description

Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a delicious blend of cheeses into one hearty dish. This easy-to-make recipe fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma and guarantees a satisfying meal for family gatherings or cozy weeknights. With its gooey cheese topping and layered flavors, this Baked Ziti will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table!

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz ziti pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
15 oz ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dried basil)
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a baking dish with nonstick spray.
Cook the ziti in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
In a bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
Layer half of the marinara sauce in the baking dish, followed by half of the ziti. Add dollops of the cheese mixture and repeat layers.
Pour remaining marinara sauce on top and sprinkle with leftover mozzarella.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Cool slightly before serving; garnish with fresh basil.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: - For enhanced flavor, sauté garlic and onions before mixing them into the sauce. - You can customize your Baked Ziti by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition. - Leftovers can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months.