Baked Ziti with Garlic Bread: A Mouthwatering Italian Dish

Baked ziti is a classic Italian casserole dish that brings comfort and warmth to the table. It's a perfect meal for a cozy family dinner or for entertaining guests. This recipe is not only easy to make, but also a delicious way to indulge in a cheesy, saucy, and satisfying pasta dish. Served with garlic bread, this meal is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 jar of marinara sauce
• 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 loaf of French bread
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

This image shows a bowl of cooked ziti pasta topped with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. The cheese is melted and gooey, and the sauce is thick and flavorful. The pasta is perfectly cooked and ready to be baked.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, chopped fresh basil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add the cooked ziti pasta to the bowl and stir until well combined.
5. Pour the pasta mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. While the ziti is baking, prepare the garlic bread. Cut the French bread into slices.
8. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley.
9. Spread the butter mixture onto each slice of bread.
10. Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
11. Serve the baked ziti hot with the garlic bread on the side.

This image shows slices of golden brown and crispy garlic bread. The bread is topped with melted butter and minced garlic, making it flavorful and delicious. The bread is perfect for dipping into the cheesy and saucy baked ziti.

Conclusion:

This baked ziti with garlic bread recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. The pasta is cheesy, saucy, and flavorful, while the garlic bread is crispy and buttery. It's a perfect combination for a cozy and delicious Italian meal. Give it a try and enjoy!