Description
This classic Baked Ziti recipe combines tender pasta with creamy ricotta, savory marinara sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses for a comforting and hearty 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 your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread half of the pasta-cheese mixture evenly into a baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over this layer. Next, layer the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish by topping with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top has melted and turned golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving for best texture.
Notes
- Use whole milk ricotta cheese for a creamier texture.
- For added flavor, you can incorporate cooked ground beef or Italian sausage into the sauce before mixing.
- Letting the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.
- Substitute gluten-free pasta if needed to make the dish gluten-free.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven.
