Description
A classic Italian-American dish combining comforting flavors with ziti pasta, marinara, ricotta, mozzarella, and savory meat for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz Ziti Pasta (or penne or rigatoni)
- 24 oz Marinara Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 4 cloves Garlic (fresh or garlic powder)
- 1 medium Onion (or shallots)
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 16 oz Mozzarella Cheese (preferably fresh mozzarella)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (or Pecorino Romano)
- 1 lb Ground Beef or Italian Sausage (or sautéed vegetables or lentils)
- 1 cup Fresh Basil (dried basil is acceptable)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the ziti and cook until al dente, approximately 7 to 9 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- Cook the Meat: Heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them until golden brown and fragrant. Now add the ground beef or Italian sausage, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked through.
- Mix the Sauce: Once the meat is cooked, pour in the marinara sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese. Add in half of the fresh basil, stirring to combine evenly.
- Assemble the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer the pasta mixture over it, then top with mozzarella cheese and finish with grated Parmesan.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: After baking, let your ziti rest for about 5 minutes, garnish with remaining fresh basil, and serve hot.
Notes
Serve with garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days.
- 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, Italian pasta, casserole, comfort food