Description
This Easy Baked Ziti recipe combines perfectly cooked pasta with a rich homemade marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It is a comforting Italian-American classic, baked to bubbly, golden perfection for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Produce
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
Cheese
- 1 1/2 ounces Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup grated), divided
- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese (about 2 cups), divided
Pantry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 5 cups marinara sauce (about 46 ounces)
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more for seasoning
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 pound dried ziti or penne pasta
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Finely chop the yellow onion and garlic cloves. Grate the Parmesan cheese and set aside half separately for layering.
- Preheat oven and boil water: Arrange an oven rack in the middle and preheat to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Make the sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add chopped onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 12 minutes. Stir in marinara sauce and 1 teaspoon kosher salt, then bring to a simmer. Remove from heat.
- Cook pasta: Add dried ziti or penne to boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Meanwhile, combine ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt in a small bowl and stir well.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Drain pasta and return it to the empty pot. Stir in half of the sauce (approximately 3 cups) until the pasta is well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper as needed. Fold in the ricotta mixture, leaving pockets of ricotta for creaminess.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Layer the remaining pasta mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Pour the remaining sauce on top and spread evenly. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup mozzarella and remaining 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven until the edges bubble and the cheese is melted and browned in spots, about 30 minutes.
- Rest and serve: Allow the baked ziti to cool for 15 minutes before serving to let it set and enhance flavors.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use homemade marinara or your favorite store-bought sauce.
- Salt the pasta water well to enhance the pasta’s flavor.
- Letting the baked ziti rest before serving helps it firm up, making it easier to serve.
- You can add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a meatier version.
- Leftovers store well and can be reheated covered in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes baking + 10 minutes stovetop
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: baked ziti, easy baked pasta, Italian casserole, comfort food, ricotta pasta bake
