Baked Ziti Recipe

Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add olive oil and when shimmering add the finely diced onion. Sauté until soft and translucent, about 6–8 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and cook about 30–45 seconds until fragrant, stirring so it doesn't brown.

Stir in the tomato paste and cook 1 minute to deepen flavor. Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar (if using), salt and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until very al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions) — it will finish cooking in the oven. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

In a large mixing bowl combine ricotta, grated Parmesan, egg, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth.

Add the drained, hot pasta to the ricotta mixture and stir to coat. Add 1 to 1 1/2 cups of the prepared tomato sauce and 1/4–1/2 cup reserved pasta water as needed to create a cohesive mixture that is saucy but not soupy. Fold in the diced fresh mozzarella.

Transfer the pasta-cheese-sauce mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.

Spread the remaining tomato sauce evenly over the top of the assembled pasta (about 3/4–1 cup). Arrange the sliced/torn fresh mozzarella over the sauce in an even layer.

Place the baking dish on a sheet pan and bake in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20–25 minutes, until bubbling and the top mozzarella is melted and beginning to brown.

If you want a more golden top, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes — watch closely to prevent burning.

Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Scatter torn fresh basil over the top before serving.

While the ziti bakes, prepare the garlic bread. Preheat oven to 375°F (if not already hot from baking ziti). Slice the baguette lengthwise or into diagonal slices if preferred.

Mix softened butter with the minced garlic, chopped parsley and 1/4 tsp salt until combined. Spread the garlic butter evenly over cut sides of the bread.

Place bread on a baking sheet and bake 8–10 minutes until butter is melted and edges are crisp. For extra browning, broil 1 minute — watch closely.

Slice and serve warm alongside the baked ziti.