Nothing says comfort like a bubbling dish of Nonna Pia’s Baked Ziti, fresh out of the oven and packed with layers of love. This classic Italian-American favorite is rich, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible — a true family favorite passed down through generations.
Nonna starts by cooking her homemade tomato sauce, slow-simmered with garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil. She boils the ziti just until al dente, then mixes it with the sauce and creamy dollops of ricotta. Layer after layer, she adds mozzarella, more sauce, and more cheese, until the dish is full and ready to bake.
As it comes out of the oven, the top is golden and bubbling, with gooey cheese stretching from every slice. The edges are just slightly crisp, giving way to soft, saucy pasta underneath. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table — no need to call twice.
Perfect for Sunday dinner, holidays, or whenever you need a taste of home, Nonna Pia’s baked ziti is simple, satisfying, and made with pure heart.
Serve it up with garlic bread, salad, and extra sauce on the side — because one helping is never enough!
🍝 Nonna Pia’s Baked Ziti
📝 Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ziti pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Handful of fresh basil leaves
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti until just al dente. Drain and set aside. - Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium. Sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, and basil. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
(Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.) - Mix the Pasta:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti with half the tomato sauce, ricotta, 1 ½ cups mozzarella, and Parmigiano. Mix gently to coat. - Assemble:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13″ baking dish. Add half the pasta mixture.
Spoon more sauce over top, then add the remaining pasta. Top with more sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella. - Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden. - Serve:
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or extra cheese if desired.
