PIZZA BAKED ZITI
This cheesy baked ziti combines pizza flavors with pasta, tomato sauce, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella for a fun, family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
For the Baked Ziti:
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- ½ cup pepperoni slices optional
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
Cook Pasta:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
Mix Pasta and Sauce:
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with marinara sauce, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Assemble Dish:
- Transfer pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and pepperoni slices if using.
Bake:
- Bake 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble ziti a day ahead and refrigerate; bake when ready.
- Variations: Add cooked sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with garlic bread and a green salad.
- Allergy-Friendly: Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat before serving.