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To make the Best Baked Ziti Ever, here’s what you’ll need

Best Baked Ziti Ever Recipe


  • Author: Lyne
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Best Baked Ziti Ever recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining perfectly cooked pasta, a rich homemade marinara sauce, and three cheeses baked to bubbling perfection. It’s easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to be a family favorite for weeknight dinners, special gatherings, or meal prep.


Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne, rigatoni)
  • 4 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef, cooked and crumbled

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Sauce:
    If using meat, brown Italian sausage or ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add marinara sauce, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Make the Cheese Mixture:
    In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, the egg, chopped basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth.
  4. Assemble the Dish:
    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half the pasta, half the ricotta mixture, and half the remaining sauce. Repeat the layers and finish by topping with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
  5. Bake:
    Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Serve and Enjoy:
    Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, if desired.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake as instructed when ready.
  • Freezing Instructions: This dish freezes well. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Customizations: Add sautéed vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Cheese Alternatives: Swap ricotta for cottage cheese or use plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free version.
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 35
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Best baked ziti recipe, cheesy baked ziti, baked ziti with ricotta, easy Italian pasta recipe, comfort food dinner,