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Delicious baked ziti topped with melted cheese and herbs in a casserole dish

Best Ever Baked Ziti

A comforting and customizable baked ziti featuring layers of gooey cheese, hearty pasta, and robust tomato sauce, perfect for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
For the Filling
  • 12 ounces ziti or penne pasta (or any pasta you prefer)
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese (use whole milk for creaminess)
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg (for richness)
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation of Sauce
  1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Building the Sauce
  1. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine.
  2. Season with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cooking the Pasta
  1. While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the ziti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
  3. Drain and set aside.
Mixing the Filling
  1. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg.
  2. Mix until well combined and creamy.
Assembling the Dish
  1. In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, half of the sauce, and all of the cheese mixture.
  2. Layer the remaining pasta and sauce on top.
Baking
  1. Generously sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top for that golden, bubbly finish.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  4. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serving
  1. Once out of the oven, let the baked ziti rest for about 5–10 minutes.
  2. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes and freshly shredded cheese for the best flavor. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until bubbly for best results.