Baked Ziti with Mozzarella

When I first stumbled upon baked ziti, it was a rainy Sunday afternoon and the warmth of melted cheese paired with tangy marinara instantly felt like home. This dish quickly became my go-to comfort food, especially when I needed something hearty yet simple.

I remember the first time unexpected guests arrived and I whipped this up in no time; their compliments made me realize this was a keeper forever.

Ingredients

• Ziti Pasta: I always opt for ziti because it holds sauce well, but penne or rigatoni work just as great if you can't find it.
• Marinara Sauce: Homemade adds that fresh kick, but store-bought is a handy shortcut when time is tight.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded is easiest for even melting and that perfect gooey texture everyone loves.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess that balances the tangy sauce, making each bite silky.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkling on top creates that golden, flavorful crust you’ll dream about.
• Garlic & Onion: These build the sauce’s flavor base; sauté gently to avoid bitterness.
• Olive Oil: Use good quality for richer taste and to help soften the aromatics.
• Dried Oregano & Basil: Classic Italian herbs that brighten every spoonful with their fragrant notes.
• Salt & Pepper: Season carefully to bring all flavors forward without overpowering.
• Fresh Basil Leaves (optional): Torn on top at the end for a fresh, herbal pop that makes the dish sing.

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and grease your baking dish so the ziti won’t stick. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil to cook the pasta just shy of al dente. You’ll want it firm since it’ll bake later.

Build the Sauce:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes, then toss in minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about a minute. Pour in the marinara sauce, sprinkle oregano and basil, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently so flavors meld beautifully.

Mix it Up:

Combine the drained pasta with 2 cups shredded mozzarella, ricotta, and half the Parmesan cheese. Add half the marinara and toss everything until coated lovingly with sauce and cheese.

Layer the Love:

Spread half of this ziti mixture into your baking dish. Dollop half the remaining marinara on top, then sprinkle with mozzarella. Repeat the layers with the leftover ziti, sauce, and mozzarella. Finish by spreading the remaining Parmesan all over—the golden crust is the best part.

Bake to Perfection:

Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in and bake for 20 minutes. Then peel back the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and browns just right.

Rest and Garnish:

Let this cheesy masterpiece rest for 10 minutes, giving it a chance to settle and thicken. If you like, scatter torn fresh basil leaves over the top before serving for a bright, fresh finish.

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This dish quickly became more than dinner once I served it at a family reunion, where everyone fought over the last piece—a true celebration of comfort and connection.

Keeping It Fresh

Leftovers reheat wonderfully in the oven or microwave, but adding a sprinkle of fresh basil each time keeps it tasting vibrant rather than stale.

When You're Missing Something

If fresh herbs aren’t around, dried work in a pinch. Also, mixing in sautéed mushrooms or spinach into the sauce adds a lovely earthy or leafy touch when you want something extra.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

Pair this baked ziti with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or crispy garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce.

• Don’t forget a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti if you’re celebrating.
• Try a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce for a subtle heat twist.
• Leftover sauce freezes well; save some for a speedy pasta night.

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Thanks for sharing this kitchen moment with me—here’s to many more meals that bring warmth and smiles around the table.

Recipe FAQs

→ What pasta is best for this dish?

Ziti pasta is traditional due to its tube shape, which holds sauce well. Penne or rigatoni are great alternatives if ziti is unavailable.

→ Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the marinara sauce can be made or reheated in advance, allowing flavors to deepen before assembling the casserole.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook the pasta just shy of al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven and absorb the sauce without becoming overly soft.

→ What cheeses are used in this dish?

Mozzarella provides gooey meltiness, ricotta adds creaminess, and Parmesan contributes a nutty, sharp flavor for depth.

→ Any tips for enhancing the flavor?

Sautéed garlic and onion add aromatic richness, herbs like oregano and basil brighten the sauce, and optional add-ins such as mushrooms or spinach boost complexity.

→ Is it possible to bake this dish ahead?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate the casserole for up to 24 hours before baking. Adjust baking time slightly if baking from cold.