Description
Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian classic featuring al dente ziti pasta tossed in rich marinara sauce, layered with creamy ricotta and topped with gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 16 ounces ziti pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, gently mix the cooked ziti with the marinara sauce and ricotta cheese until evenly coated and creamy.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses on top.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled dish in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly with a light golden top.
Notes
- For a meatier version, add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the marinara sauce before mixing.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture if preferred.
- You can prepare the dish ahead and refrigerate before baking; just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
