Description
A comforting and cheesy baked ziti recipe featuring tender pasta baked in a rich marinara sauce with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and a golden Parmesan crust. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that serves six.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Cheeses
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Seasoning
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain well.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until evenly combined.
- Layer the Dish: In a baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Add the remaining pasta mixture, then top with the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top is beautifully golden brown.
- Serve Hot: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving warm to enjoy the creamy, cheesy flavors at their best.
Notes
- You can use penne pasta as an alternative to ziti if needed.
- For extra flavor, add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the sauce before mixing.
- Letting the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
- Use fresh Parmesan for the best topping flavor.
- Cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking to prevent the cheese from drying out, then uncover for the last 5-10 minutes to brown the top.
