Ingredients
1 lb ziti pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
3 cups marinara sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Brown meat if using; drain excess fat. Stir in marinara and Italian seasoning; simmer 5 minutes.
In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
Combine cooked pasta with sauce. Spread half into the baking dish.
Dollop ricotta mixture over pasta and sprinkle with ¾ cup mozzarella.
Add remaining pasta and top with remaining mozzarella.
Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes more until bubbly and golden.
Rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish if desired.
Notes
Cooking Tips
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Slightly undercook pasta so it doesn’t become mushy while baking.
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Let baked ziti rest before serving to help it set cleanly.
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Use whole-milk ricotta for a creamier texture.
Variations
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Vegetarian: Skip meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
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Extra Cheesy: Add provolone or fontina for deeper flavor.
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Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
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Make-Ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
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Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g