Description
Comforting layers of ziti pasta dance with rich marinara and melted cheeses in this irresistible Italian-American classic. Creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and savory parmesan create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Meat:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ziti pasta
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
Cheeses:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Sauce:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a perfect environment for melting cheese and creating a crispy top layer.
- Boil ziti pasta in salted water until al dente, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, adding minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic.
- If desired, brown ground meat in the same skillet, ensuring complete cooking and breaking into small crumbles.
- Combine cooked pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, fresh chopped basil, dried oregano, and half of the shredded mozzarella in a large mixing bowl.
- Season the mixture with salt and black pepper, stirring gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the pasta mixture, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese across the top, creating a generous cheese coverage.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese turns golden and slightly bubbling.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes, helping the dish set and making it easier to serve.
Notes
- Enhance flavor by using homemade marinara sauce for a richer, more authentic taste.
- Opt for fresh herbs like basil and oregano instead of dried to elevate the dish’s aroma and taste.
- Create a vegetarian version by substituting ground meat with roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.
- Reduce carbohydrate content by using low-carb pasta alternatives such as zucchini noodles or cauliflower pasta for a lighter meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg