Description
This comforting Italian-American baked ziti is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Featuring al dente pasta tossed in a robust marinara sauce, layered with creamy ricotta, and topped with a generous amount of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, this casserole delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. It is a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that reheats beautifully and simplifies your dinner routine.
Ingredients
16 oz Ziti Pasta
24 oz Marinara Sauce
15 oz Ricotta Cheese
3 cups Mozzarella Cheese, freshly shredded
0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
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 until just before al dente.
Drain the pasta thoroughly.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce.
Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Dollop half of the ricotta cheese over the base of the dish.
Spread half of the pasta mixture over the ricotta.
Top with remaining ricotta and a portion of the mozzarella.
Add the remaining pasta mixture.
Top generously with the rest of the mozzarella and the parmesan cheese.
Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
Substitute penne or rigatoni if ziti is unavailable. If you prefer, substitute the fresh basil with dried oregano. For best results, use freshly shredded mozzarella cheese rather than pre-bagged varieties to ensure a superior melt.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg