Gluten-Free Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 12 ounces gluten-free ziti or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian-style sausage optional
- 3 cups gluten-free marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the gluten-free pasta according to package directions until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- If using meat, add it to the skillet and cook until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Layer the pasta mixture over the sauce, then spoon the remaining sauce on top.
- Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
This gluten-free baked ziti is a classic Italian-inspired comfort food made easy. Creamy ricotta, hearty pasta, and rich tomato sauce come together in a cheesy, oven-baked casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or make-ahead freezer meals.