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Classic Baked Ziti
Indulge in this comforting and hearty classic baked ziti, a beloved Italian-American dish that combines al dente pasta with a rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. Baked to perfection, this dish is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in. Its origins trace back to Southern Italy, where pasta dishes are a staple, but it gained popularity in the United States, where it's become a go-to comfort food. Serve it with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that will warm your heart and soul.
Ingredients
- Ziti pasta
- 1 pound
- Marinara sauce
- 4 cups
- Ricotta cheese
- 15 ounces
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 cups, divided
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup
- Fresh basil
- 1/4 cup, chopped
- Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon
- Salt
- 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon
- Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (for greasing the dish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the cooked ziti pasta to the sauce mixture and stir gently until the pasta is thoroughly coated.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Pour the ziti mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Allow the baked ziti to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips
- For added flavor, consider sautéing some chopped onions and garlic in olive oil before adding them to the sauce mixture.
- Feel free to mix in some cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a meatier version.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
Dietary Information
Servings: 8 Dish Type: Main Course Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Calories: 450 Fat: 22g Carbs: 42g Protein: 23g Sodium: 600mg Sugar: 6g
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