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Best Baked Ziti Recipe for a Comforting Crowd-Pleaser

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This baked ziti recipe is a hearty, warm, and irresistible comfort food perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup full-fat ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage (optional)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
  4. Add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until browned. Break it into small pieces with your spoon as it cooks.
  5. Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and set aside.
  7. Assemble the ziti in the baking dish. Start with a layer of the marinara and sausage mixture, then add a layer of cooked pasta, followed by the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers until the dish is full, finishing with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan on top.
  8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

[‘Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.’, ‘If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of marinara sauce before layering.’, ‘Sauté the sausage until well browned for maximum flavor.’, ‘Let the ricotta mixture come to room temperature before spreading for easier handling.’, ‘Broil the ziti for 1-2 minutes after baking for a golden crust.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, comfort food, pasta recipe, Italian dinner, easy dinner, family meal

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