Baked Ziti

Discover the ultimate Baked Ziti recipe for creamy, cheesy comfort. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this easy dish is a crowd-pleaser every time.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

12 ounces Ziti Pasta or penne or rigatoni
2 tablespoons Salt for pasta water
1 jar (about 24 ounces) Marinara Sauce or homemade
15 ounces Ricotta Cheese optional
1 large Egg to mix with ricotta
½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 to 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
as needed Fresh Parsley for garnish

Equipment

Large Pot
Colander
Mixing Bowl
9x13 Inch Baking Dish
Aluminum Foil

Method

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Boil water in a large pot and salt it generously.
Cook the ziti pasta for 2 minutes less than package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, brown Italian sausage if using, then add marinara sauce and heat through.
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan together if using ricotta.
Combine the pasta with about two-thirds of the sauce in a large mixing bowl.
In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the sauced pasta, dollop the ricotta mixture, add the remaining pasta and top with the leftover sauce.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling.
Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Baked Ziti can be prepared ahead of time; just assemble and refrigerate, then add 10 extra minutes to baking time when ready to cook. Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be reheated very well.