Smoked Mozzarella & Sun-Dried Tomato Baked Ziti with Crispy Prosciutto Crumble

This isn't your average baked ziti! We've taken a classic comfort food and elevated it with the irresistible depth of smoked mozzarella and the bright, concentrated flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. Finished with a salty, crispy prosciutto crumble, this dish delivers layers of texture and taste that will make it an instant family favorite. It's surprisingly simple to prepare, yet impressive enough for guests.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar good quality marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), drained and chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus extra for garnish
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
• 8 oz smoked mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large oven-safe skillet (or a pot that can transfer to a baking dish), heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add prosciutto slices and cook until crispy. Remove prosciutto, crumble, and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for another minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in marinara sauce and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper.
6. In a medium bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, egg, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Add cooked ziti to the sauce in the skillet and toss to combine.
8. Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture evenly over the ziti and sauce. Sprinkle shredded smoked mozzarella over the top.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
10. Garnish with remaining fresh basil and the crispy prosciutto crumble before serving.

Chef's Note

For an extra layer of flavor and to ensure the prosciutto stays crispy, sprinkle it over the baked ziti just before serving. You can also mix a pinch of smoked paprika into your ricotta mixture for an even deeper smoky note.

Make-Ahead Tips

Assemble the ziti in the baking dish without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. Prosciutto should be cooked and crumbled just before serving.

Substitutions

Prosciutto: Bacon bits or finely diced ham can be used, or omit for vegetarian. Smoked Mozzarella: Regular mozzarella or provolone can be used, though the smoky flavor will be missed. Ziti: Penne or rigatoni work well as alternatives. Ricotta: Cottage cheese can be substituted for a slightly different texture. Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Roasted red peppers, chopped, could offer a similar sweetness.