Description
A comforting baked dish featuring al dente pasta, rich marinara sauce, and layers of gooey cheeses, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 16 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 oz Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Oregano, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, and sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix well.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture in a greased baking dish, followed by a layer of mozzarella. Add the remaining pasta and top with more mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
For a healthier version, add more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. Alternatively, use gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Baked Ziti, Pasta, Comfort Food, Family Recipe, Italian, Vegetarian