Description
Indulge in this comforting Italian-American classic, featuring perfectly al dente ziti pasta smothered in a rich, velvety tomato marinara sauce and a decadent blend of whole-milk ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Designed for busy weeknights and family gatherings alike, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal with a consistent, moist texture that stays delicious every time you bake it.
Ingredients
1 pound ziti pasta
24 ounces high-quality marinara sauce
15 ounces whole-milk ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried oregano
0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the ziti for 2 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente.
Drain the pasta thoroughly.
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, half of the parmesan, and the dried oregano.
Spread one cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with the remaining marinara sauce and the ricotta cheese mixture.
Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Top with the shredded mozzarella and the remaining parmesan cheese.
Bake for 35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Undercooking the pasta slightly before baking is crucial to prevent the dish from becoming mushy. You can substitute ziti with penne if preferred. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg