Description
Cheesy Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American classic featuring perfectly cooked ziti pasta layered generously with rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to golden perfection, this hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce
Cheeses
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Layer with sauce and cheese: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, then dollop and spread half of the ricotta cheese over the pasta. Pour half of the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layering with the remaining pasta, ricotta, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake until melted: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the marinara sauce.
- You can substitute ziti with penne pasta if unavailable.
- Letting the baked ziti rest before serving helps it settle and makes slicing easier.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture, but shredded works well for quicker preparation.
- Leftovers keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
