Traditional Italian Ziti al Forno: A Baked Pasta Delight

Ziti al Forno is a classic Italian baked pasta dish that makes a comforting and delicious meal. It combines ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and a melty mozzarella topping. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients:
– 1 lb ziti pasta
– 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

5. Add the Tomatoes:
Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the prepared meat sauce, leaving a small portion of the sauce aside for topping later.

7. Assemble the Dish:
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture. Spread the ricotta cheese evenly over the pasta layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Add the remaining pasta mixture and spread the reserved sauce evenly over the top.

8. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining mozzarella cheese over the pasta.

9. Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

10. Serve:
Remove from the oven and let the Ziti al Forno rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Enjoy this classic Italian comfort food with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal!