A classic Italian-American baked pasta dish featuring tender ziti pasta tossed in a rich marinara and creamy cheese mixture, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan for a comforting, cheesy casserole perfect for family dinners.
Total Time:50 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Ingredients
Pasta
1 pound ziti pasta
Sauce and Cheese Mixture
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the ziti evenly.
Cook pasta: Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Mix cheese and sauce: In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Combine pasta with mixture: Add the cooked ziti pasta to the cheese and sauce mixture and stir gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
Assemble in baking dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown.
Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired before serving.
Notes
Use whole milk ricotta for creamier texture or part-skim for a lighter option.
For extra flavor, add cooked Italian sausage or sautéed vegetables to the sauce mixture.
Make sure not to overcook the pasta to avoid mushy baked ziti.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated unbaked, then baked just before serving.
