Ah yes 🍝 — ziti is a classic, no-nonsense pasta that shines whether it’s simple or baked and cheesy. Here’s a basic ziti recipe you can use as a base for anything.
Simple Ziti Pasta
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- Salt (for pasta water)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh basil or parsley
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Cook Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook ziti until al dente according to package directions.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Make Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer 5–10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Combine & Serve
- Toss cooked ziti with sauce.
- Top with Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
Easy Add-Ons
- Meat: Ground beef, Italian sausage, or meatballs
- Cheese: Ricotta or mozzarella stirred in
- Veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or peppers
- Creamy: Add ¼ cup heavy cream to the sauce
Want It Baked?
If you want baked ziti, here’s the quick version:
- Mix ziti with sauce + ricotta
- Top with mozzarella
- Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes
If you want, I can give you a one-pan baked ziti, a creamy chicken ziti, or a spicy sausage ziti next 😋
