Baked Ziti

5 from 2 votes

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Baked Ziti—each bite a symphony of perfectly cooked pasta, rich meat sauce, and a creamy, three-cheese blend. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser that brings the cozy atmosphere of an Italian grandma's kitchen right to your table.

Prep Time30

Cook Time50

Total Time1 20

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Italian

Servings:

Calories: 676kcal

Author: Joanna Cismaru

Equipment

9x13-inch Casserole Dish

Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
1 pound Italian sausage casings removed, mild or spicy
24 ounces marinara sauce 1 jar
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
salt and pepper to taste
15 ounce ricotta cheese 1 container
1 large egg
2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
fresh basil chopped, for garnish

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375℉ (190℃).
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the ziti until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain well.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned. Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and the Parmesan cheese.
In a large baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce. Layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by all of the cheese mixture, then half of the remaining sauce. Add the remaining ziti, then the remaining sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Allow the ziti to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and enjoy!

Notes

Opt for mild or spicy Italian sausage to tailor the dish to your heat preference.
If you don't have ziti, penne or rigatoni make excellent substitutes.
Fresh basil isn't just for garnish; it elevates the whole dish. Feel free to add it to the meat sauce for extra flavor.
The ricotta layer can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge, making assembly quicker.
If you find yourself with leftovers, rejoice! This dish tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition