This easy Baked Ziti Recipe is always a hit for dinner, holidays or at potlucks! You can make this recipe ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready!
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- For The Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 teaspoons crushed garlic
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- Fresh black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Ricotta Cheese Mixture:
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Add the oil to a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the onions for 7-8 minutes until softened, stirring often so they don’t burn.
- Add the garlic and cook another minute, then stir in the tomato paste. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce and water then stir to combine.
- Season the sauce with the salt, pepper, garlic powder and oregano, stir and partially cover. Turn the burner down to low heat and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the skillet from the heat and take off the cover to let cool.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the ziti according to the package directions, drain and pour into a large bowl.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Mix the ingredients together for the ricotta cheese mixture and then add to the cooked ziti along with 2 cups of the marinara sauce and 1/4 cup of the parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and pour into a 9″ x 13″ baking dish that’s been sprayed with cooking spray.
- Cover the top of the ziti with another 2 cups of sauce along with the mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese.
- Bake the ziti for 25 minutes, uncovered or until heated through.
Recipe Notes
This sauce recipe makes about makes 5 cups of sauce. You might have a little extra depending on the size of your baking dish. Serve any extra sauce on the side.
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
