Description
A classic Italian-American comfort dish featuring pasta baked with rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. If using meat, add and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Stir marinara sauce into the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Add the sauce mixture to the pasta and stir until well combined.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add 1/2 cup heavy cream to the sauce.
- Use spicy Italian sausage for more flavor.
- Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American