Traditional Baked Ziti

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to dive into a comforting, classic dish that feels like a warm hug from Nonna herself? 🍝✨ Let’s talk Baked Ziti, a beloved Italian-American favorite that’s all about love, layers, and gooey melted cheese. This timeless recipe brings together tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and bubbling mozzarella—all baked to perfection. It’s a dish that has filled family tables for generations, bringing smiles, laughter, and that unmistakable aroma of home-cooked goodness. ❤️

Whether you’re preparing it for a Sunday family dinner, a potluck with friends, or a cozy night in, baked ziti always delivers warmth and satisfaction. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: a few wholesome ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. And the best part? It tastes even better the next day! 😋

So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s make this classic together—because nothing says “I care” like a bubbling tray of baked ziti shared with the people you love most. 💕

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Ingredients

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 1 pound (450 g) ziti or penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix)
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)

For Baking:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish 🌿

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti and cook until just al dente—about 1–2 minutes less than the package directs. Drain and drizzle lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside. 🍝
2. Make the Sauce:
   In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant—just 30 seconds. Add the ground beef or sausage, breaking it up as it browns. Cook until no pink remains.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings:
   Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld beautifully. 🍅
4. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
   In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and parsley. Mix well until creamy and smooth.
5. Assemble the Ziti:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish (9×13 inch works great), spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom.
   • Add half of the cooked pasta.
   • Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta.
   • Sprinkle one cup of mozzarella cheese.
   • Pour half of the remaining sauce over it.
     Repeat the layers: pasta, ricotta, sauce, mozzarella. Finish with extra sauce and Parmesan on top for that golden crust. 🧀
6. Bake:
   Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
7. Rest and Serve:
   Let the baked ziti rest for about 10 minutes before serving—this helps it set beautifully. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve with a green salad and garlic bread for the ultimate Italian experience. 🇮🇹

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Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🔥 Baking Time: 35 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 55 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~480
🍽️ Servings: 6–8

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Baked ziti isn’t just food—it’s a celebration of comfort and family. Whether you make it meaty or vegetarian, this dish brings joy to the table every time. Pair it with a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon, and you’ve got a meal to remember. 🍷✨

#bakedziti #italiancomfortfood #cheesypasta #homemadegoodness #familydinner

Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️