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Best Ever Baked Ziti

Best Ever Baked Ziti
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Best Ever Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy, and hearty baked pasta dish loaded with layers of mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan cheese, and savory marinara sauce. Easy to make with simple pantry staples and customizable with meat or veggies, this classic Italian-American casserole promises a warm, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • Ziti Pasta – 1 pound

Cheeses

  • Mozzarella Cheese – 2 cups shredded, divided
  • Ricotta Cheese – 1 ½ cups
  • Parmesan Cheese – ½ cup grated, divided

Sauce & Aromatics

  • Marinara Sauce – 4 cups
  • Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
  • Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black Pepper – to taste
  • Fresh Basil or Parsley – ¼ cup chopped, plus extra for garnish

Protein (Optional)

  • Italian Sausage or Ground Beef – 1 pound (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the ziti pasta in salted water for about 8 minutes until just shy of al dente. Drain well and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add Italian sausage or ground beef if using, cook thoroughly until browned. Pour in marinara sauce, season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Let simmer to blend flavors.
  3. Combine Cheese and Pasta: In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan. Gently fold in the cooked pasta and half of the sauce until everything is evenly coated and creamy.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a baking dish. Spread a layer of sauce on the bottom, add half of the pasta mixture, followed by another layer of sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to form a golden crust when baked.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled dish uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns bubbly and golden brown. Allow resting for a few minutes before serving to set the layers.

Notes

  • Al Dente Pasta: Slightly undercook the pasta to avoid mushiness after baking.
  • Layer Flavors: Alternate pasta, sauce, and cheese for a balanced, rich taste.
  • Rest Before Serving: Let baked ziti cool slightly for easier and cleaner serving.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Add fresh basil or parsley after baking for brightness.
  • Do Not Overload Cheese: Balance the cheese amount to avoid heaviness.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, comfort food, cheesy pasta casserole, Italian-American, family dinner, easy baked pasta

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/best-ever-baked-ziti/