Description
Baked Ziti Flavorful is a comforting Italian-American classic that combines al dente ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and layers of creamy cheeses for an indulgent meal. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, promising to warm your heart with every cheesy bite. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef or Italian sausage
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan; season with salt and pepper.
- Layer half of the cooked ziti in the baking dish, followed by meat sauce and cheese mixture. Repeat the layers.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and cover with foil. Bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg