Baked Ziti with Mozzarella (Printable)
Tender baked ziti layered with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for a warm, satisfying dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 1 lb ziti pasta
→ Sauce
02 - 24 oz marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 tbsp olive oil
06 - 1 tsp dried oregano
07 - 1/2 tsp dried basil
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Cheese
09 - 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
10 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
11 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Garnish (optional)
12 - Fresh basil leaves, torn
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook ziti until nearly al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add marinara sauce, oregano, and basil to skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
05 - In a large bowl, mix cooked ziti, 2 cups mozzarella, ricotta, half the Parmesan, and half the marinara sauce. Toss gently to combine.
06 - Spread half the pasta mixture in baking dish. Top with half remaining marinara and half remaining mozzarella. Repeat layers, then sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.
07 - Cover dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more until cheese is bubbly and golden.
08 - Let baked dish rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with torn fresh basil before serving if desired.
# Tips from dashanddishes:
01 -
- This recipe feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for family dinners that linger over laughter.
- The combination of gooey mozzarella with rich marinara always hits the spot when craving something cheesy yet balanced.
02 -
- Do not overcook the pasta before baking; it should still be firm because it will soften further in the oven.
- Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to deepen, making all the difference between okay and unforgettable.
03 -
- Layering the cheese ensures gooey pockets rather than a single cheese layer.
- Letting it rest before serving keeps the layers intact and makes it easier to portion.