Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that brings warmth to any family gathering. With layers of ziti, marinara, and gooey cheese, it’s the perfect crowd-pleaser.
Author:Sophie
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:Serves 6
Category:Main
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian
Ingredients
Scale
12 oz ziti pasta
3 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
Boil salted water and cook ziti until al dente; drain.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Add marinara sauce to the skillet and simmer for flavor integration.
In a bowl, mix ricotta with salt and pepper until smooth. Stir in half of the mozzarella.
Combine cooked ziti with marinara sauce in a large bowl.
Layer half of the pasta mixture in the baking dish, followed by dollops of ricotta mixture. Repeat layers.
Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
For a lighter option, substitute ricotta with cottage cheese.
Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.