Name: Baked Ziti
Ingredients: For this recipe, you will need 1 pound of ziti pasta. The pasta forms the base of this dish. Choose whole wheat or gluten-free options if desired.; You will require 4 cups of marinara sauce. Opt for homemade sauce or store-bought varieties that have rich flavor profiles to enhance the overall taste.; Use 15 ounces of ricotta cheese for creaminess. This ingredient adds a rich texture and balances the acidity of the marinara sauce.; Two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese are essential. This ingredient melts beautifully and creates that classic cheesy layer on top.; You will need 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to sprinkle throughout the layers. It adds depth and enhances the savory flavor profile significantly.; If you like meat in your dish, include 1 pound of ground beef or sausage. Brown it before layering to add protein and richness to the overall dish.; 

Description

Baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. This hearty dish features layers of pasta combined with rich marinara sauce and gooey cheese. Each bite offers a delightful mix of flavors that warms the soul. Whether you are feeding a crowd or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, this baked ziti recipe will surely please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

For this recipe, you will need 1 pound of ziti pasta. The pasta forms the base of this dish. Choose whole wheat or gluten-free options if desired.

Marinara Sauce

You will require 4 cups of marinara sauce. Opt for homemade sauce or store-bought varieties that have rich flavor profiles to enhance the overall taste.

Ricotta Cheese

Use 15 ounces of ricotta cheese for creaminess. This ingredient adds a rich texture and balances the acidity of the marinara sauce.

Mozzarella Cheese

Two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese are essential. This ingredient melts beautifully and creates that classic cheesy layer on top.

Parmesan Cheese

You will need 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to sprinkle throughout the layers. It adds depth and enhances the savory flavor profile significantly.

Ground Beef or Sausage (optional)

If you like meat in your dish, include 1 pound of ground beef or sausage. Brown it before layering to add protein and richness to the overall dish.