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Classic Baked Ziti

Classic Baked Ziti - Cheap Delicious Meals

Baked ziti is more than a dish; it’s a beloved tradition in Italian-American cuisine that warms the heart. I still remember the first time I tried it at my grandmother’s house. The aroma wafting from the kitchen drew me in. It was rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor. Fast forward to today, I’ve made this dish countless times and have tweaked it to become my signature recipe.
In this article, I'm excited to share my classic baked ziti recipe with you, packed with expert tips and a few stories from my culinary journey. This dish embodies all that is good in life; friends, family, and, of course, fantastic food.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 5 cups rich tomato marinara sauce about 46 ounces
  • 1 pound dried ziti or penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • 8 ounces shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese about 2 cups
  • 1 1/2 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese about 1/2 cup
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus extra for seasoning
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika—optional, gives subtle warmth

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  1. Begin by cooking your pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Make sure not to overcook because you'll bake it further. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions. Sauté until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  2. Now, mix in the marinara sauce and season it with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a bit of kick. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
Step 3: Mix the Cheeses
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the grated Parmesan, a pinch of salt, and pepper. This will be your creamy filling that makes every bite so indulgent.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
  1. Get your baking dish ready. Start by spreading a layer of sauce on the bottom. Then, layer half of the cooked pasta over the sauce. Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella.
  2. Now, pour half of the remaining sauce on top. Pour in the other half of the pasta. Finish with the remaining sauce, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.
Step 5: Bake
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
  1. Once out of the oven, let your baked ziti cool for around 10 minutes—if you can resist! Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Cook Pasta Al Dente: Under-cook the pasta slightly as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Quality Sauce: Use a well-flavored marinara or make your own for a more personalized taste.
Use Fresh Herbs: If possible, opt for fresh herbs instead of dried to enhance flavor.
Extra Cheese: Don't be shy with the cheese; it adds to the richness of the dish and keeps everything moist.
Leftover Love: Baked ziti often tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld. Save some for tomorrow!