Baked Ziti
A hearty and comforting baked ziti recipe with layers of pasta, cheese, and marinara sauce, perfect for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 ounces ziti or penne pasta
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir and season with salt and pepper.
- Mix the sauces: Combine the cooked pasta with marinara sauce in a large bowl until well coated.
- Layer the ingredients: In a baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture, spoon the ricotta mixture, and top with remaining pasta. Finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until bubbling.
- Cool and serve: Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Customize with vegetables, different cheeses, or proteins to fit your taste.