This Baked Ziti combines tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a gathering, this hearty meal is sure to be a hit. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It’s a quick, satisfying dinner that feels indulgent yet can be prepared in under an hour. The gooey cheese, combined with the tangy tomato sauce, creates the ultimate cozy meal. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a green salad for a complete and delicious dinner.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can marinara sauce
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir the cooked ziti pasta into the sauce and toss to coat.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Top with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Story Behind Baked Ziti
Baked Ziti, though it has roots in Italian cuisine, is a creation of the United States, often considered an Italian-American dish. Ziti, a type of tube-shaped pasta, is native to Southern Italy. The word “ziti” is derived from the Sicilian dialect, meaning “bride,” as it was traditionally served at wedding banquets. In the U.S., however, Baked Ziti became popular in the 20th century as a crowd-pleasing casserole dish, often made with meat, ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara sauce. This version of the dish continues to be a staple in many American homes, especially because of its versatility and the ease with which it can be prepared.
While the original recipe for Baked Ziti often included meats like ground beef or sausage, this vegetarian version focuses on the simple goodness of marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. It’s just as indulgent, comforting, and flavorful—proving that you don’t need meat to create a delicious, hearty pasta dish.
Why This Baked Ziti Recipe is the Best
There’s a reason why this Baked Ziti with Mozzarella and Marinara recipe is a crowd-pleaser, and it’s not just about its unbeatable taste. Here’s why this version of Baked Ziti is the best choice for any meal:
1. Simplicity and Quick Preparation
One of the standout features of this Baked Ziti recipe is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients—ziti pasta, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese—you can create a flavorful and filling meal in under an hour. This recipe doesn’t require a long list of ingredients or complicated techniques. It’s a straightforward dish that anyone, regardless of cooking experience, can make without any fuss.
The prep time is only about 10 minutes, and while the pasta is cooking, you can easily prepare the sauce. The best part? The baking time of around 20-25 minutes ensures that the cheese melts and bubbles beautifully, giving you that perfect crispy top layer.
2. Comforting and Hearty
There’s something deeply comforting about a pasta dish that combines tender pasta, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese. This Baked Ziti recipe hits all the right notes with its creamy mozzarella and rich marinara sauce. The combination of gooey cheese and flavorful sauce makes every bite indulgent and satisfying.
Whether it’s a rainy evening or you’re having a cozy family dinner, there’s no better way to enjoy a warm, hearty meal than with this classic Baked Ziti recipe. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, enjoying food and each other’s company.
3. Perfect for Batch Cooking and Leftovers
One of the biggest benefits of Baked Ziti is its ability to serve a large crowd with minimal effort. This recipe can easily be doubled or even tripled for larger gatherings, such as parties, potlucks, or family reunions. The ingredients are easy to scale, and since it bakes in a large casserole dish, you can easily portion it out for many people.
Plus, Baked Ziti is a great dish for leftovers. The flavors only improve after sitting in the fridge for a day or two, making it a perfect option for meal prep. You can enjoy it throughout the week without any extra effort. Just pop it in the microwave, and you’ve got yourself a quick, delicious meal.
4. Customizable to Fit Your Dietary Preferences
While this Baked Ziti recipe is simple and vegetarian, it’s incredibly versatile and can be easily modified to fit your dietary preferences. You can add ground meat, sausage, or vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini if you prefer. The dish also works well with gluten-free pasta, making it accessible to those with gluten sensitivities.
If you want to add a little more creaminess to the dish, you can mix in ricotta or use a blend of cheeses such as provolone or fontina for extra flavor. The flexibility of this dish makes it adaptable to various tastes, ensuring that everyone at the table will find something they love.
5. Affordable and Budget-Friendly
In a world where grocery bills seem to keep rising, Baked Ziti offers an affordable solution to feeding a family without breaking the bank. The ingredients in this recipe are inexpensive and readily available, making it a cost-effective meal option. Pasta is one of the most budget-friendly pantry staples, and marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan are all reasonably priced.
For those who want to stretch their budget even further, this dish can be made using store-bought marinara sauce (or even leftovers from a previous meal) and pre-shredded mozzarella, which helps reduce preparation time and costs. You can feed a family of four or more with just one baking dish, which makes this meal an economical choice for any night of the week.
6. A Fun, Family-Friendly Meal
Baked Ziti is the kind of dish that brings everyone together. Whether you’re cooking for a small family or hosting a larger gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. The cheesy, tomato-based sauce is something that everyone can enjoy, even the pickiest eaters. Plus, kids love to help with this dish by stirring the pasta, spreading the sauce, and layering the cheese.
It’s also a great meal to serve at parties or family gatherings. The simple, comforting flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, and it pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. You can even serve it with a glass of red wine for a more sophisticated twist.
Health Benefits of Baked Ziti with Mozzarella and Marinara
While this dish is definitely indulgent, it also offers some surprising health benefits, especially when made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s how:
Rich in Fiber and Protein (When Made with Whole Wheat Pasta)
By choosing whole wheat ziti instead of regular pasta, you can increase the fiber and protein content of the dish. Whole grains are packed with fiber, which is essential for digestive health and helps keep you full longer. Fiber also helps stabilize blood sugar levels, making this dish a great option for those looking to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Packed with Antioxidants
Marinara sauce is made from tomatoes, which are rich in lycopene—a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. Lycopene helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, and it’s absorbed better when cooked. Pairing the marinara sauce with the creamy mozzarella cheese makes for a meal that’s not only tasty but also packed with health benefits.
A Good Source of Calcium and Protein
Mozzarella cheese is an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also contains protein, which helps with muscle repair and growth. While cheese is often seen as a calorie-dense food, in moderation, it can be part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Can Be Made Vegetarian or Even Vegan
For those who follow a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, Baked Ziti can easily be adapted. For vegetarians, simply omit any meat from the dish and load up on vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant. For vegans, substitute the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses with plant-based alternatives, and you have a vegan version that’s just as satisfying.
Conclusion
Baked Ziti with Mozzarella and Marinara is a simple yet comforting dish that brings family and friends together around the dinner table. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, something to serve at a dinner party, or a dish that will feed a large group, this recipe has got you covered. With its hearty ingredients, customizable options, and ease of preparation, it’s no wonder Baked Ziti has become a beloved classic. Try it out tonight, and see why this comforting pasta dish is a go-to for so many!
