Classic Baked Ziti
Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American casserole featuring layers of pasta, marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb (450 g) ziti or penne pasta
- 4 cups (960 ml) marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (or ground beef/turkey), casing removed if applicable
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup (240 g) ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
For Topping:
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
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. Cook the pasta until just al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix the Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble the Ziti:
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- Add half the cooked pasta, then layer with half the ricotta mixture, half the remaining meat sauce, and half the mozzarella. Repeat the layers, ending with mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan on top.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Tips
- Customizations: Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the ziti up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Freezer Friendly: Freeze the unbaked dish for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Enjoy your rich and cheesy Baked Ziti! 🍝🧀
