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A delicious tray of baked ziti with melted cheese and rich tomato sauce.

Proven way to grow perfect Baked Ziti recipe. Baked Ziti

This recipe outlines a proven method to create a perfect baked ziti, a beloved Italian-American comfort food. It features layers of pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and plenty of gooey, melted cheese, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound Ziti pasta
  • 15 ounces Ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 24 ounces Marinara sauce
  • 1 Egg
  • 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large pot
  • Large bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain it well.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix together the marinara sauce and minced garlic.
  5. In the prepared baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom.
  6. Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  7. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous layer of marinara sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  8. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  9. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  10. Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving, then garnish with the remaining fresh parsley.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can brown some ground beef or Italian sausage and add it to the marinara sauce. Make sure not to overcook the ziti pasta in the first step, as it will continue to cook in the oven.