Description
A classic Italian-American comfort food that combines ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy cheeses, and savory meat or vegetables, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz Ziti Pasta (Can substitute with penne or rigatoni)
- 24 oz Marinara Sauce (Homemade or store-bought)
- 4 cloves Garlic (Fresh or garlic powder)
- 1 medium Onion (Shallots can be used as a substitute)
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese (Use cottage cheese for a lighter version)
- 16 oz Mozzarella Cheese (Fresh mozzarella preferred)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (Pecorino Romano can be used as a substitute)
- 1 lb Ground Beef or Italian Sausage (Can substitute with sautéed vegetables or lentils)
- 1 cup Fresh Basil (Dried basil is acceptable, but fresh is recommended)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain.
- Sauté onion in olive oil for 4-5 minutes until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes (optional).
- Pour in marinara sauce, season with salt, pepper, and half of the basil; simmer for a few minutes.
- Mix cooked ziti with the sauce until well coated.
- Prepare the cheese mixture by combining ricotta, half of the mozzarella, half of the parmesan, and the remaining basil.
- Layer the baking dish with pasta mixture and cheese mixture until all ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella and parmesan on top.
- Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Baked ziti can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: baked ziti, pasta, Italian food, comfort food, family dinner