Description
A classic comfort food, baked ziti is a hearty Italian-American casserole featuring tender pasta mixed with creamy ricotta, rich mozzarella, and tangy spaghetti sauce, all baked to a bubbly golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 1/2 lb ziti pasta
Cheese Mixture:
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated (half for mixing)
Sauce and Toppings:
- 3 cups spaghetti sauce
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated (remaining half for topping)
Other:
- Cooking spray (Pam) for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature when the ziti is ready to bake.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine cheese and pasta: Mix the cooked ziti with the ricotta cheese and half of the grated mozzarella cheese, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
- Prepare the baking dish: Spray a 13×9 inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer sauce: Spread about half of the spaghetti sauce evenly over the bottom half of the pan.
- Add pasta mixture: Spoon the ziti and cheese mixture evenly over the sauce layer.
- Top with remaining sauce: Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the ziti mixture, covering it completely.
- Add cheeses: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top, followed by the remaining mozzarella cheese, to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top is lightly golden brown.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding cooked Italian sausage or sautéed vegetables to the cheese and pasta mixture.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil the ziti for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best taste and melt quality.
- Allow the baked ziti to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set and make slicing easier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
