- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional for a heartier dish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil.
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- If using, add ground beef or sausage to the skillet, cooking until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour half of the meat sauce into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Layer the pasta mixture over the sauce, then top with the remaining meat sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- Author: Jenny
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International