Classic Baked Ziti Pasta with Marinara and Cheese

**Classic Baked Ziti Pasta with Marinara and Cheese: A Comforting Italian-American Favorite**

Few dishes embody the essence of comfort food quite like **Baked Ziti**. This hearty, cheesy, and flavorful pasta dish has become a staple in Italian-American households and restaurants alike. Its appeal lies in its simplicity, versatility, and the way it brings together familiar ingredients into a warm, satisfying meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a family gathering, **Classic Baked Ziti with Marinara and Cheese** is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

### What is Baked Ziti?

Baked Ziti is a casserole-style dish made with **ziti pasta**, which is a medium-sized, tube-shaped pasta similar to penne but with straight-cut ends. The pasta is typically combined with a rich marinara sauce, layers of cheese, and sometimes meat or vegetables, then baked until bubbly and golden. The result is a dish with a perfect balance of textures: tender pasta, gooey melted cheese, and a slightly crisp top layer.

### The Origins of Baked Ziti

Though Baked Ziti is often associated with Italian-American cuisine, its roots can be traced back to traditional Italian **pasta al forno** (oven-baked pasta) dishes. In Italy, pasta al forno is often made with regional variations, using different types of pasta, sauces, and fillings. When Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions to the United States, they adapted these dishes to suit the ingredients available to them, and Baked Ziti became a popular choice for its simplicity and ability to feed a crowd.

### Key Ingredients

The beauty of Baked Ziti lies in its straightforward ingredients, which can be easily customized to suit personal preferences. Here are the classic components:

1. **Ziti Pasta**: Ziti is the traditional pasta used for this dish, but you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni if needed. The tubular shape of ziti allows the sauce and cheese to cling to the pasta, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

2. **Marinara Sauce**: A good marinara sauce is the heart of Baked Ziti. You can use store-bought marinara for convenience, but making your own from scratch can elevate the dish. A simple marinara sauce is made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, olive oil, and herbs like basil and oregano. The sauce should be rich and flavorful, but not too watery, to avoid a soggy casserole.

3. **Cheese**: Cheese is a key player in Baked Ziti, and a combination of different cheeses creates the perfect balance of creaminess and flavor. The most common cheeses used are:
– **Ricotta**: Adds a creamy, slightly tangy layer.
– **Mozzarella**: Provides that gooey, stretchy texture when melted.
– **Parmesan**: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps create a golden crust on top.

4. **Meat (Optional)**: While the classic version of Baked Ziti is vegetarian, many variations include meat. Ground beef, Italian sausage, or even meatballs can be added to the marinara sauce for a heartier dish.

5. **Herbs and Seasonings**: Fresh or dried herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley add depth to the sauce and cheese mixture. Garlic, salt, and pepper are essential for seasoning.

### How to Make Classic Baked Ziti

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a classic version of Baked Ziti with marinara and cheese.

#### Ingredients:
– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 4 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg (optional, for binding the ricotta mixture)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

#### Instructions:

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

2. **Cook the pasta**: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. **Prepare the marinara sauce**: If you’re using store-bought marinara, heat it in a large skillet. If making your own, sauté minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. **Mix the ricotta