Description
A comforting and classic Italian-American baked pasta dish featuring ziti pasta combined with marinara sauce and a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound ziti pasta
Sauce
- 4 cups marinara sauce
Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Mix with Sauce and Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with marinara sauce and ricotta cheese. Stir well until the pasta is evenly coated and mixed with the cheese and sauce. Transfer this mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly on top.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef for a meatier version.
- Fresh basil or parsley makes a great garnish.
- Substitute gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Let the baked ziti rest for about 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
- Use part-skim cheeses to reduce fat content if desired.
