Description
Easy Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American classic featuring tender pasta baked in a rich tomato sauce blended with creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this dish layers ziti pasta with a flavorful cheese sauce, baked until golden and bubbly. It’s customizable with your favorite toppings and pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Fresh basil leaves
- Sliced pepperoni
- Additional shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the pasta sauce, ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.
- Assemble the Dish: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta evenly. Spoon half of the sauce mixture over the pasta. Repeat with the remaining pasta and sauce mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the assembled pasta and sauce layers.
- Bake the Ziti: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes. Slice and serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves or additional cheese if desired.
- Optional Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or a bowl of homemade tomato soup to complete the meal.
Notes
- Use a good-quality pasta sauce or homemade sauce for better flavor.
- Customize the dish by adding veggies like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms.
- Prepare the dish up to an hour in advance; cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in the oven for a crispier finish.
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to avoid mushy baked ziti.
