Ziti Al Forno (baked Ziti)

Ziti al Forno, also known as Baked Ziti, is a classic Italian-American dish that is perfect for a comforting family meal or a gathering with friends. This hearty baked pasta dish is filled with rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Ziti Al Forno (baked Ziti)

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
  5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
40 minutes
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Oven

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
450 per serving
Carbohydrates
45g
Protein
20g
Fat
20g

Supplies

9x13-inch baking dish Mixing bowl Measuring cups and spoons Cooking pot

Tools

Oven Cooking spoon Knife

Serving suggestions

Serve the baked ziti with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Tips & tricks

For a twist, add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the ziti mixture for a meaty version of this dish.

Cost

$15