Description
A comforting Italian dish layered with pasta, marinara sauce, and a blend of cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 lb ground meat (Italian sausage, beef, or turkey – optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the ziti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat; add onions and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic and sauté for another minute. If using meat, add it now, cooking until browned. Pour in marinara sauce and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add herbs and season to taste.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, half of the mozzarella, parmesan, and the egg to enhance creaminess.
- In a baking dish, layer the ingredients: start with a bit of sauce, then half the pasta, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the remaining sauce. Repeat with a final layer of mozzarella and parmesan on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a crispy top.
Notes
Allow the dish to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Pair with garlic bread and a crisp side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Baked Ziti, Italian, Comfort Food, Pasta