Baked Ziti

Italian comfort food!

Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American pasta casserole, featuring ziti pasta that's baked with a rich tomato sauce and a blend of cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan. 

It's known for its comforting, cheesy, and saucy qualities. The dish is often described as an easier, more freeform version of lasagna, making it a popular choice for feeding crowds or enjoying a hearty weeknight meal. 

You won't believe how easy it is to put together and how much your family will love it!

Add a salad and fresh bread...the perfect pasta dinner!

Ingredients:

1 (16 oz. box of Ziti pasta (I used Rigatoni in this picture)

32 oz. Ricotta cheese

1 large egg, beaten

3/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley OR 1-2 tsp. dried parsley

3/4-1 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

1 lb. shredded Mozzarella cheese

1 (32 oz.) jar spaghetti sauce (I use homemade)

Instructions:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.  Add Ziti and cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente; drain and let cool. 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. (190'C). Lightly grease a 9x13" baking dish and spread sauce over the bottom of dish.

Combine cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, egg and 1 1/2 cups sauce in a large bowl.

Transfer into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining spaghetti sauce, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.

A Tip from Grammy:

-You can make my homemade Sunday Sauce, located on the Grammys Apron blog

-Add sausage, cooked ground meat or cut up meatballs.

-Spinach tastes great mixed in with the filling.

-You can make this in the crock pot (especially in the summer). 

Be encouraged!

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  -Matthew 5:3