Description
Baked ziti is a comforting Italian-American classic that layers tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of gooey cheeses for a satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners and can easily be customized to suit various dietary preferences. With its inviting aroma and creamy texture, baked ziti is sure to impress your loved ones and leave them asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook the ziti in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add the marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and half the chopped basil; simmer gently.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with ricotta cheese and half the mozzarella. Stir in the simmered sauce until well-coated.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture in the baking dish, top with additional marinara sauce and half of the remaining mozzarella. Add the remaining pasta mixture followed by more sauce and cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (200g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg