Description

Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food that combines cheesy goodness with hearty pasta and rich marinara sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, ensuring smiles around the table. With layers of creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella, every bite is a delightful experience. Customize with your favorite veggies or proteins to make it truly yours!

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz ziti pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
15 oz ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain.
In a bowl, combine marinara sauce and ricotta until smooth.
Stir in half of the mozzarella, along with salt and pepper.
Fold cooked pasta into the sauce mixture until well-coated.
In a greased baking dish, layer half the pasta mixture, sprinkle with half the remaining mozzarella, then top with the rest of the pasta.
Finish with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (210g)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 640mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: For added flavor, mix in sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. You can prepare this dish ahead of time; refrigerate before baking for up to 24 hours.