Irresistible Baked Ziti
This baked ziti recipe features tender ziti pasta, a rich homemade tomato sauce, and a creamy ricotta cheese filling. Topped with melted mozzarella, it's a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Easily customizable, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Equipment
- Large pot
- saucepan
- Medium bowl
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Colander
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese whole milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
- Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and egg.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
- Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with about half of the tomato sauce. Ensure the pasta is well coated.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Dollop the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta layer.
- Spread the remaining pasta mixture over the ricotta cheese.
- Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Let the Baked Ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. You can also add browned ground beef or Italian sausage for a heartier meal. Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or fontina. Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can enhance the flavor. This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, or frozen for up to 3 months. Add 10-20 minutes to baking time if baking from refrigerated or frozen.