Classic Baked Ziti
Classic Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey cheese into a satisfying dish that warms the soul. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home, this recipe is easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. With just a few simple steps, you can create a scrumptious meal that will leave your loved ones asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti pasta in salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Gently fold the cooked ziti into the sauce mixture until evenly coated.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture followed by half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before garnishing with fresh basil if desired. Slice and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: For added flavor, try using high-quality marinara sauce. You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or mascarpone. Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for an extra twist.