Classic Baked Ziti Pasta

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Introduction

Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy, and delicious pasta bake that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s a layered casserole made with ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture, then baked until bubbly and golden. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, this hearty Italian-American dish is always a hit. With its melty layers of mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan, Baked Ziti is a go-to recipe that satisfies every time!

Ingredients Quantity

For the Pasta

  • Ziti pasta: 1 pound (450g)
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon (for boiling pasta)

For the Meat Sauce

  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Ground beef or Italian sausage: 1 pound (450g)
  • Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (28 ounces or 794g)
  • Tomato sauce: 1 can (15 ounces or 425g)
  • Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
  • Italian seasoning: 1 tablespoon
  • Salt and pepper: To taste
  • Red pepper flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional for heat)
  • Fresh basil: ¼ cup, chopped (optional)

For the Cheese Mixture

  • Ricotta cheese: 1 ½ cups (360g)
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: 2 cups (200g), divided
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: ¾ cup (75g)
  • Egg: 1 large
  • Fresh parsley: ¼ cup, chopped
  • Salt and pepper: To taste

Instructions

For the Pasta and Sauce

  1. Cook the Pasta:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions). Drain and set aside.
  1. Make the Meat Sauce:
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Stir in fresh basil, if using.

For the Cheese Mixture

  1. Prepare the Cheese Filling:
  • In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Assembling the Baked Ziti

  1. Layer the Ziti and Sauce:
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish.
  • Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta, then spoon half of the remaining meat sauce over the pasta. Drop dollops of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the sauce layer.
  1. Repeat the Layers:
  • Add the remaining pasta, then top with the rest of the meat sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella evenly on top.
  1. Bake the Ziti:
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  1. Cool and Serve:
  • Remove from the oven and let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or fresh basil, if desired.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the pasta until just al dente prevents it from becoming mushy during baking.
  • Make Ahead: You can assemble the dish ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it straight from the fridge, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Recommendations

  • Pairing Suggestions: Serve Baked Ziti with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
  • Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Enjoy this cheesy, comforting Baked Ziti that’s sure to become a family favorite! 🍝🧀✨

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