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Classic Baked Ziti with Italian Flavors Recipe

Classic Baked Ziti with Italian Flavors Recipe
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Classic Baked Ziti with Italian Flavors is a comforting and cheesy Italian-American casserole featuring al dente tubular pasta baked with a rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe uses simple pantry staples and fresh herbs to create a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing meal with authentic Italian taste and a luscious, gooey texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 pound ziti pasta

Cheeses

  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Sauce

  • 3 cups marinara or Italian tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

Seasoning

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Begin by boiling the ziti in salted water until it’s just al dente. This slight firmness ensures it holds up perfectly during baking without becoming mushy.
  2. Prepare the sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté finely chopped garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent, then pour in the marinara sauce. Stir in Italian seasoning and fresh basil, letting the flavors marry over a low simmer.
  3. Mix the cheeses: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella and a generous amount of grated Parmesan. Season lightly with salt and pepper for a creamy, flavorful cheese blend.
  4. Combine pasta, sauce, and cheese: Drain the pasta and immediately toss it in the sauce until well coated. Fold in the ricotta mixture gently, ensuring every pasta tube is loaded with cheesy goodness.
  5. Assemble and bake: Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish, then sprinkle a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan. Add the remaining pasta on top, finish with the rest of the cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Notes

  • Use high-quality cheese: Fresh mozzarella and good Parmesan really elevate flavor and texture.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep pasta al dente so it bakes perfectly without turning mushy.
  • Let it rest after baking: A few minutes to cool will help the ziti set and make it easier to serve.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley right before serving to brighten flavors.
  • Use a mixing bowl for layering: Tossing pasta with sauce and cheese thoroughly ensures even flavor distribution.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, Italian casserole, cheesy pasta bake, ricotta pasta, classic baked ziti, Italian comfort food, family dinner

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/classic-baked-ziti-with-italian-flavors-recipe/