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–+ servings
A photo of a baking dish filled with freshly baked ziti. The top layer of melted mozzarella is bubbling and slightly golden. A spoon lifts a portion, revealing layers of pasta, creamy ricotta, and thick tomato sauce. Chopped basil is sprinkled on top for a fresh finishing touch.

Baked Ziti

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Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American dish made with pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, all topped with melted mozzarella and baked until golden. It's a comforting, hearty meal that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz ziti pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage optional
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • fresh basil chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot For boiling the pasta
  • Skillet For preparing the sauce
  • Baking Dish For layering and baking the ziti
  • Mixing Bowl For combining the ricotta cheese mixture

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft.
  4. If using meat, add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and crushed tomatoes. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella.
  6. In a baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce, followed by half of the pasta and dollops of the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers and top with the remaining mozzarella.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, add a bit of heavy cream to the ricotta mixture.
  • Use whole-milk mozzarella for better melting.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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