Looking for an easy dinner recipe that the whole family will love? This baked ziti is a classic dish that combines cheesy goodness with hearty pasta, making it the ultimate comfort food. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Baked Ziti is a crowd-pleaser; it’s loaded with layers of rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese. You can whip it up in no time, and the best part? Leftovers taste even better the next day! This dish is a staple in many homes for good reason.
Delicious Baked Ziti Recipe
This baked ziti features al dente pasta baked with savory marinara sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and a generous topping of mozzarella that gets perfectly bubbly in the oven. It’s a filling dish with a comforting, cheesy flavor that will satisfy everyone at the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Layer the Ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture, half of the mozzarella cheese, and more marinara sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with a layer of marinara and topped with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 400kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
