Description
This classic Italian-American vegetarian baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender tubular pasta coated in a rich, robust marinara sauce. The dish is layered with a decadent blend of creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and savory parmesan cheese. Baked to bubbling perfection, it offers a satisfying, meat-free meal that is perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings alike.
Ingredients
16 oz Ziti Pasta (or Penne/Rigatoni)
24 oz Marinara Sauce
15 oz Ricotta Cheese
3 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
1/4 cup Fresh Basil, chiffonade
1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the ziti for two minutes less than package instructions.
Drain the pasta thoroughly.
Combine the cooked ziti with the marinara sauce and half of the mozzarella in a large mixing bowl.
Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
Dollop small spoonfuls of ricotta cheese throughout the pasta mixture.
Transfer the pasta mixture to the baking dish and spread evenly.
Top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Bake for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil before serving.
Notes
For the best texture, shred your own mozzarella from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese. If the top needs extra browning, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg