Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil and set aside. If you’re adding meat, brown the ground beef or sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of salt – the water should taste like the ocean. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions, but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes (cook to just under al dente). The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so you want it slightly undercooked now. Drain the pasta in a colander and return it to the pot. Do not rinse – the starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Mixture
While the pasta cooks, prepare the cheese mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped herbs (or Italian seasoning), salt, and pepper. Mix with a spoon or spatula until smooth and well combined. The egg helps bind everything together and creates a creamier texture.

Step 4: Combine Pasta with Sauce and Cheese
Add the marinara sauce to the drained pasta in the pot. If using cooked meat, add it now. Stir until all the pasta is evenly coated with sauce. Add the ricotta mixture and 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese (reserve 1 cup for topping). Gently fold everything together until the pasta is well coated with the cheesy sauce mixture. If adding spinach or other vegetables, fold them in now.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the pasta mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula, pressing down lightly to eliminate air pockets. The dish should be nicely filled but not overflowing.

Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Then sprinkle the 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella. This double cheese layer creates that beautiful golden, bubbly top everyone loves.

Step 7: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Make sure the foil doesn’t touch the cheese (tent it slightly if needed) to prevent sticking. Place in the preheated oven and bake covered for 20 minutes. This allows the casserole to heat through evenly.

Step 8: Uncover and Brown
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown in spots. If you want extra browning, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch it closely to prevent burning.

Step 9: Rest Before Serving
Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the cheese and sauce to set slightly, making it easier to cut into neat portions. The pasta will also absorb some of the excess moisture.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on the side. Use a large serving spoon to scoop out generous portions, making sure each serving gets plenty of that cheesy goodness!