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baked ziti dish

Classic Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses

Jennifer AI Chef
A comforting and hearty Italian-American casserole, this baked ziti features a blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan cheeses layered with ziti pasta and rich tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it delivers a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful experience in every bite.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large pot
  • Saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Aluminum foil

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Ziti Pasta cooked according to package instructions
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
  • 4 cups Tomato Sauce (homemade or store-bought
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 3 Garlic cloves minced
  • 1 Small Onion finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • Basil Leaves Fresh, a handful for garnish
  • Salt & Pepper To taste
  • 1/4 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes optional for a spicy kick

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook Pasta: Boil ziti pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare Tomato Sauce

  • In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion until translucent.
  • Add tomato sauce, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15-20 minutes to blend flavors.

Layer the Dish

  • Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce at the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Add half of the cooked ziti pasta, followed by spoonfuls of ricotta cheese.
  • Layer with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  • Repeat with remaining pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese, finishing with a top layer of mozzarella.

Bake

  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Garnish & Serve

  • Let the baked ziti cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy!

Notes

Tips & Variations

  • Meat Lovers: Add 1 lb (450 g) of cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce for a heartier dish.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute meat with sautéed mushrooms, eggplant, or zucchini.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze baked ziti (before baking) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
  • Reheating: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
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