From saucy noodles to melted cheese, this baked ziti recipe is comfort food at its finest.

Rather than using jarred meat sauce, making your own helps cut back on sodium.

Fresh basil leaves finish this dish that the whole family will love.

Angled overhead view of baking dish of Baked Ziti recipe

Photo:Photographer: Jennifer Causey, Food stylist: Ruth Blackburn

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Cook ziti (or penne) according to package directions until al dente.

Drain and return to the pot; set aside.

Overhead view of a pot of meat sauce, pot of ziti pasta with sauce and baking dish with sauce spread in the bottom from Baked Ziti recipe

Photographer: Jennifer Causey, Food stylist: Ruth Blackburn

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Dollop half of the ricotta evenly over the pasta, then top evenly with the remaining pasta.

Spoon the remaining sauce evenly over the pasta, then dollop evenly with the remaining ricotta.

Overhead view of baking dish of ingredients from Baked Ziti recipe after topping with mozzarella and ricotta

Photographer: Jennifer Causey, Food stylist: Ruth Blackburn

Mound mozzarella in spaces without ricotta.

Bake, uncovered, until hot and bubbly and the cheese has melted, 20 to 25 minutes.

Let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes.

Overhead view of baking dish of Baked Ziti recipe after baking and before serving

Photographer: Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

Sprinkle with basil before serving.

  • Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day.

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