Description
A comforting Italian-American baked ziti recipe that combines tender pasta, robust marinara, creamy ricotta, and melted cheeses, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups marinara sauce (about 46 ounces)
- 1–2 teaspoons sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 lb. dried ziti (or penne pasta)
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese
- 8–12 slices provolone cheese (from the deli counter)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the onion for 1-2 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and season with salt and pepper, cooking for another minute.
- Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and heat until hot.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a boiling pot of water for about 6 minutes or until it’s al dente.
- In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle a tablespoon or two of olive oil into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Drain the pasta and place half in the prepared baking dish. Add half of the sauce, stirring to combine. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture on top, and layer with provolone and half of the mozzarella.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, sauce, ricotta mix, and cheeses.
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. For a crispy top, broil for a few minutes at the end.
Notes
Baked ziti can be served with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: baked ziti, comfort food, Italian recipe, pasta bake, easy dinner