Cheesy Baked Ziti
The ultimate pasta bake. Ziti pasta tossed in marinara and ricotta, topped with bubbling mozzarella.
Details
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ziti Pasta
- 24 oz Marinara Sauce
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1 Egg
- Fresh Basil
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2
Cook pasta in salted water until slightly underdone (al dente). Drain.
- 3
Mix ricotta, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, parmesan, and chopped basil in a bowl.
- 4
Toss pasta with marinara sauce.
- 5
Layer half the pasta in a baking dish. Dollop with ricotta mixture.
- 6
Add remaining pasta. Top with remaining mozzarella.
- 7
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- 8
Remove foil and bake 10-15 minutes until bubbly and browned.
About This Recipe
There are few dishes more universally comforting than a deeply satisfying pasta bake, and Cheesy Baked Ziti stands as a quintessential Italian-American classic, a beloved staple of Sunday family dinners and potlucks alike. Rooted in Southern Italian traditions of pasta al forno, this adaptation transforms humble ingredients into a spectacular, crowd-pleasing casserole. What makes it truly special is the harmonious interplay of textures and flavors: tender ziti, enrobed in a rich, tangy marinara, interlaced with creamy, savory ricotta, and crowned with a generous blanket of molten, bubbling mozzarella and sharp Parmesan. The key to its success lies in cooking the ziti al dente before baking to prevent a mushy result, and ensuring a balanced layering that distributes the cheesy goodness throughout. For an elevated experience, consider using a high-quality store-bought marinara or even your own homemade sauce, and always opt for fresh basil over dried for a vibrant finish. While delicious on its own, common variations include incorporating browned ground beef or Italian sausage for a heartier meal, or spinach for added greens. Serve this ultimate comfort food with a crisp, simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette and warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of delicious sauce.
Tips & Tricks
- • To prevent your baked ziti from becoming dry, ensure your pasta is cooked only to al dente—it will finish cooking in the oven, absorbing sauce without turning mushy.
- • For a richer, meatier dish, brown 1 lb of ground beef or Italian sausage and stir it into the marinara sauce before layering with the pasta.
- • Assemble the entire casserole ahead of time, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed.
- • Pair this hearty baked ziti with a light, crisp arugula salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil, and a side of warm, crusty garlic knots.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (approximate)