Recipes

Cheesy Baked Ziti

Dive into this comforting classic Italian-American dish where tender ziti pasta meets a tantalizing tomato and melted cheese combo. Baked Ziti is a family favorite that brings together the richness of ricotta, the tanginess of marinara, and the gooey goodness of mozzarella in each bite. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution.
pastahomemadeeasy recipesnon vegetarianvegetarianfamily mealsbaked dishesdinnercomfort fooditalian
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Ingredients

  • olive oil (1 tablespoons)
  • minced garlic (2 cloves)
  • ricotta cheese (1 cups)
  • parmesan cheese (0.5 cups) - grated
  • divided mozzarella cheese (1.5 cups) - shredded
  • salt (0.5 teaspoons)
  • black pepper (0.25 teaspoons)
  • ziti pasta (200 grams)
  • marinara sauce (2 cups) - use your favorite brand or homemade
  • chopped basil leaves (2 tablespoons) - plus extra for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions.
  • Drain the pasta and set aside.

Make the Sauce

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Pour in the marinara sauce, stir, and bring to a simmer.
  • Season with salt and black pepper.
  • Stir in chopped basil leaves.

Assemble the Baked Ziti

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.
  • Pour in the marinara sauce and mix until the ingredients are well combined.
  • Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake the Ziti

  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown at the edges.

Serve and Enjoy

  • Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
  • Garnish with additional basil leaves before serving.

Tips

  • Use a combination of cheeses such as provolone or fontina for different flavors.
  • Add cooked ground beef or sausage to the sauce for a protein boost.
  • Make it vegetarian by adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
  • Prepare the dish a day in advance right up to baking, then cover and refrigerate.
  • Serve with a side of garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.