Olive Garden Baked Ziti
Olive Garden’s baked ziti recipe is a comforting and cheesy Italian-American classic that combines al dente ziti pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheeses. This dish is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or as a make-ahead meal that can easily feed a crowd. It’s rich, flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite in your kitchen.
Equipment
- 1 large pot (for boiling pasta)
- 1 large skillet (for cooking meat and sauce)
- 1 9x13-inch baking dish (for assembling and baking ziti)
- 1 colander (for draining pasta)
- 1 wooden spoon (for stirring sauce)
- Aluminum foil (for baking)
Ingredients
- 1 lb 16 oz Ziti pasta
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 lb Ground beef or sausage, or a mix
- 4 cups Marinara sauce
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese optional
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Cook the ziti pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 7-8 minutes. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
- Make the sauce: Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the cooked meat. Stir and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 10-15 minutes to blend the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta, sauce, and cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce. Stir in ricotta cheese (if using), and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Mix everything until well combined.
- Assemble the baked ziti: Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil in the last 5-10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown and become bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the baked ziti ahead of time by assembling it and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Vegetarian version: To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the meat with vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or a plant-based protein option.
- Freezing: Leftover baked ziti can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F for 50-60 minutes or until heated through.
- Extra creamy: For a richer texture, you can add an extra layer of ricotta or mix in a bit of heavy cream to the sauce.