Baked Ziti
Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American classic that combines perfectly cooked pasta, rich marinara sauce, and layers of gooey cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, delivering warmth and satisfaction with every bite. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this Baked Ziti is sure to impress your loved ones and turn any meal into a memorable occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat if using. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta with half of the mozzarella and basil; season with salt and pepper.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the meat sauce, followed by half of the ziti and ricotta mixture. Repeat layers ending with meat sauce on top.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg