Description
A comforting baked ziti recipe filled with creamy cheeses and a robust tomato sauce, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta (cooked until al dente)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large chopped onion (cooked until softened)
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large beaten egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the ziti. Cook until just shy of tender, about 1 to 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook until aromatic.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer gently until thickened, stirring occasionally.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, beaten egg, and chopped parsley. Stir until smooth.
- Toss drained ziti with most of the sauce. Then fold in the ricotta mixture.
- Spoon the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella on top.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are bubbling. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
If you like a sweeter sauce, add a pinch of sugar. For richness, a splash of butter can be added to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg