Authentic Baked Ziti Recipe

Ingredients for Authentic Baked Ziti

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 16 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pepper
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Sweet Italian Sausage
• Hot Italian Sausage
• Onion
• Garlic Cloves
• San Marzano Tomatoes
• Tomato Paste
• Fresh Thyme
• Fresh Basil

How to Make Authentic Baked Ziti

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, and pepper.
6. Add the cooked ziti to the ricotta mixture and stir to combine.
7. Pour half of the tomato sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
8. Spread the ziti mixture evenly over the sauce.
9. Top with the remaining tomato sauce and sliced fresh mozzarella cheese.
10. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.