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Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a comforting, cheesy pasta bake featuring tender ziti coated in marinara sauce, layered with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella, then baked until bubbling and golden. The edges crisp up slightly, creating a warm, messy, and inviting dish that’s perfect for cozy nights and family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pound ziti pasta or penne as a substitute
  • 2 cups cups marinara sauce can be homemade or store-bought
  • 1 cup cup ricotta cheese for creaminess
  • 2 cups cups shredded mozzarella cheese for gooey melt and bubbly top
  • 0.5 cup cup Parmesan cheese optional, for added flavor
  • 2 cloves cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon tablespoon olive oil for sautéing garlic
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
  • 0.25 cup cup breadcrumbs for topping, optional

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Baking dish (9x13 inch)
  • Skillet
  • Mixing spoon

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the ziti. Cook until just al dente, about 8 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  2. Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F. Lightly grease your baking dish with a little olive oil.
  3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the marinara sauce, bring to a gentle simmer, and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to deepen the flavor.
    1 pound pound ziti pasta
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the warm marinara sauce, stirring gently to coat all the noodles evenly.
    1 pound pound ziti pasta
  5. Add dollops of ricotta cheese over the pasta, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Gently fold everything together to distribute the cheeses evenly.
    1 pound pound ziti pasta
  6. Transfer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheeses, layering neatly. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top if using for added crunch.
    1 pound pound ziti pasta
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden on top. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil to prevent burning.
  8. Remove from oven and let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
  9. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs if desired, then scoop onto plates and enjoy the cheesy, crispy edges and gooey center of this comforting dish.