Baked Ziti
Baked Ziti is the ultimate Italian-American comfort food that combines ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a melty blend of cheeses into a heartwarming casserole. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also customizable to suit every palate.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and boil salted water in a large pot.
- Cook ziti pasta until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, half the mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the marinara sauce, followed by half of the ziti, then half of the cheesy mixture. Repeat layers.
- Spread remaining marinara on top and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, include sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. - Substitute traditional mozzarella with provolone for a different taste. - Let the dish rest before serving for easier slicing.