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Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American pasta casserole layered with ziti, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for a hearty family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 pound ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, sautéed garlic, and fresh basil if using. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
  6. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, incorporate cooked Italian sausage or sautéed vegetables into the sauce before assembling.