Description
Learn how to make a life-changing baked ziti that is sure to impress your family and friends. This hearty and delicious baked pasta dish is perfect for cozy dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sauce:
- 2 Tbsp. Olive oil
- 1 Onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
- 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 5 Cups Marinara sauce (about 46 ounces)
- 1–2 teaspoons Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Other:
- 1 lb. Dried Ziti (or penne pasta)
- 1 Cup Whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 Large Egg
- ½ Cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 8 ounces Mozzarella cheese
- 8–12 slices Provolone cheese (from the deli counter)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the onion for 1-2 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
- Heat Sauce: Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and heat until hot.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, add the pasta to rapidly simmering (not boiling) water. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6 minutes, or until al dente with a slight bite left.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of sugar if desired.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Pour a tablespoon or two of olive oil into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it evenly.
- Assemble Dish: Drain the pasta and pour half into the prepared baking dish. Add half of the sauce and stir to combine. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture on top. Add 4-6 slices of provolone cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Layer Again: Repeat with the remaining pasta, sauce, ricotta cheese, and cheeses, ensuring all the pasta is thoroughly covered in sauce.
- Bake: Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. For a crispy, bubbly top, place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes at the end.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: baked ziti, pasta, Italian, comfort food, vegetarian
