Description
A stress-free, crowd-pleasing baked ziti featuring layers of ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and a golden, bubbling blanket of melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (for sauce)
- Black pepper to taste
- 15-ounce container whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound Italian sausage (optional, browned and crumbled)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh basil. Mix until smooth and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti pasta until 1-2 minutes before al dente. Drain and set aside (do not rinse).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and oregano. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes to deepen flavor. Add meat if using.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of the dish.
- Add half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the ricotta mixture spread over the pasta.
- Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the ricotta.
- Add the remaining pasta, then spread the rest of the ricotta mixture on top.
- Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not overcook the pasta before baking as it will continue to cook in the oven. Shred your own mozzarella cheese for better melting; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents. Let the sauce simmer to concentrate flavors. Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set for cleaner serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 22
Keywords: baked ziti, baked pasta, dinner party ideas, comfort food, Italian dinner, mozzarella cheese, ricotta pasta, easy dinner, family meals