BAKED ZITI
Baked Ziti is a hearty Italian pasta dish layered with ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or parties, it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Baked Ziti:
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
Cook Pasta:
- Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta, salt, pepper, and oregano.
Assemble Ziti:
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Bake and Serve:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble ziti in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Variations: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or vegetables for extra flavor.
- Topping: Sprinkle with extra parmesan or breadcrumbs for a crispy top.
- Serving: Serve as a main dish for family dinners or parties.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days; reheat in oven until warm.