Description
This Three Cheese Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American classic featuring al dente ziti pasta baked in a rich marinara sauce and a blend of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for a hearty family dinner, and can be customized with meat or made ahead for convenience.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound ziti pasta
Sauce & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Other
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the ziti pasta until al dente according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it softens and becomes translucent, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce along with dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, prepared sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Mix everything thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated in the cheesy sauce mixture.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a bubbly, golden crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and melt the cheeses.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the baked ziti to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps it set for easier serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- For a meatier dish, add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce before combining with pasta.
- You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred for a different texture.
- This recipe is great for making ahead and freezing; bake straight from the freezer by adding extra baking time.
