Description
This cheesy baked ziti is a comforting Italian-American classic layered with tender ziti noodles, rich tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella and ricotta mixtures, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
16 oz (450g) ziti pasta
4 cups tomato sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella (low-moisture preferred)
12 oz (340g) ricotta
2 eggs
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 cup diced vegetables (e.g., mushrooms, bell peppers) – optional
Olive oil, for tossing
1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Boil ziti for 7-8 minutes (5 minutes less than package instructions), then drain and toss with a little olive oil.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, eggs, 1 cup mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and 1/2 tsp salt.
Layer 1/3 of the ziti in the dish, top with half the tomato sauce, then spread half the ricotta mixture over.
Add the remaining ziti, another layer of sauce, and the rest of the ricotta mixture. Top with remaining sauce and 2 cups mozzarella.
Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 minutes more to brown the top.
Notes
Undercook the ziti slightly to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
Press down gently on each layer to ensure even cooking and texture.
Use room-temperature mozzarella for better melting.
Top with fresh basil in the last 5 minutes of baking, if desired.
Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing for cleaner pieces.
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 70
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American