Ina Garten Baked Ziti Recipe
This Ina Garten Baked Ziti Recipe brings restaurant-quality Italian comfort food to your home kitchen.
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet for sauce
- Wooden Spoon
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease baking dish with olive oil.
- Cook ziti pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook one minute more.
- Add Italian sausage and cook until browned completely.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer five minutes.
- Mix ricotta, egg, and basil in bowl.
- Layer half pasta in prepared baking dish.
- Spread ricotta mixture over pasta evenly.
- Top with half mozzarella and meat sauce.
- Add remaining pasta and sauce on top.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake 15 minutes more.
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor in your Ina Garten Baked Ziti Recipe.
- Don't overcook the pasta - it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Let the dish rest after baking to prevent it from falling apart when served.
- Fresh herbs make a significant difference compared to dried alternatives.
- Grate your own Parmesan cheese for superior taste and melting properties.