Ingredients
1 pound ziti pasta
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
4 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Execution
Cook the Pasta:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, and oregano. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Mix the Cheeses:
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan. Mix until well combined. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
Assemble the Ziti:
In a large baking dish (9×13 inches), spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture. Spread another layer of marinara sauce over the cheese, then repeat the process with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and sauce.
Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/2 cup of Parmesan evenly over the top.
Bake:
Cover the baking 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, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Serve:
Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Additional tips
- Add Protein:
For a heartier meal, add cooked ground beef, sausage, or even shredded chicken to the sauce before assembling the dish. - Vegetarian Option:
Toss in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a veggie-packed version. You can also add roasted eggplant for a Mediterranean twist. - Make Ahead:
This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed when ready. - Freezing Instructions:
Baked ziti freezes beautifully. Prepare the dish but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake from frozen, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
