Description
This Life-Changing Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, layered with ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this baked ziti recipe delivers cheesy, hearty goodness in every bite. A satisfying Italian dish that’s easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
1 lb ziti pasta
1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Cook the ziti pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, egg, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Layer the bottom of the baking dish with a thin layer of sauce, half of the ziti, and half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
You can assemble the baked ziti ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Keywords: baked ziti recipe, ultimate baked ziti, cheesy baked ziti, Italian comfort food, family dinner recipe, easy baked pasta