Description
A comforting blend of ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese, perfect for family gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 cup sautéed mushrooms (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnishing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- If using meat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned, then add marinara sauce and simmer for about 10 minutes. If using veggies, sauté mushrooms and bell peppers until soft.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sauce, ricotta, and half of the mozzarella. Stir until well blended.
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara, add half the pasta mixture, top with remaining marinara and half the Parmesan. Add the second half of the pasta and finish with remaining marinara and all the mozzarella.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
Do not overcook the pasta and let the dish sit after baking to maintain its shape when serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: baked ziti, comfort food, Italian recipe, family favorite, cheesy pasta