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A close-up of a steaming hot dish of baked ziti with melted cheese and rich tomato sauce.

Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort food, perfect for a hearty family meal. This recipe guides you through creating a delicious and satisfying dish with layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 16 ounces Ziti pasta
Sauce
  • 24 ounces Marinara sauce
  • 1 pound Ground beef or sausage optional
Cheese
  • 15 ounces Ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 Egg
Seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Medium bowl
  • 9x13 inch baking dish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and boil the ziti according to package directions until al dente.
  2. While pasta cooks, brown any optional ground meat in a large skillet, then stir in marinara sauce.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and pepper.
Assembly
  1. Drain the cooked ziti and add it to the marinara sauce, ensuring it is well coated.
  2. Spread half of the ziti mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish, then top with the ricotta cheese mixture.
  3. Cover with the remaining ziti mixture, and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Baking and Serving
  1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
  2. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce. This dish freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. Cover tightly with foil before freezing and bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until heated through.