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Crispy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe Easy Homemade with Rich Tomato Sauce

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A comforting baked ziti with a crispy golden crust, melty cheese layers, and rich tomato sauce. Easy to prepare and perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) ziti pasta, cooked al dente
  • 3 cups (720 ml) tomato sauce (marinara or homemade)
  • 1 cup (240 grams) ricotta cheese, whole milk if possible
  • 2 cups (200 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (100 grams) freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil or cooking spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of ziti pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, without browning.
  4. Pour in 3 cups (720 ml) of tomato sauce, stir in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and half of the parmesan cheese. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Pour half of the sauce into the greased baking dish, spreading evenly. Layer the cheesy pasta mixture on top, then spoon the remaining sauce over the pasta.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan evenly across the top.
  8. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top to help it crisp up in the oven.
  9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly with a crispy crust around the edges.
  10. Let the baked ziti rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushiness after baking. Use a mix of mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta for best texture and flavor. Drizzle olive oil on top before baking for a crispy crust. Let rest before serving to set the cheese. For extra crispy edges, broil briefly at the end but watch carefully to avoid burning. Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking. Freezes well for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, cheesy pasta bake, crispy baked pasta, tomato sauce pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, Italian pasta bake

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/crispy-cheesy-baked-ziti-recipe-easy-homemade-with-rich-tomato-sauce/