Cheesy Baked Ziti
Cheesy baked ziti is a comforting Italian classic that combines tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey cheese for a delightful meal. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this dish is easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite ingredients. With layers of flavor and a golden-brown topping, it’s sure to please everyone at the table!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
- Cook the ziti pasta in boiling salted water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and basil until smooth.
- Layer half of the marinara sauce in the baking dish, followed by half of the cooked ziti and dollops of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers.
- Top with the remaining marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Add extra basil if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For added flavor, use fresh herbs like oregano along with basil. Consider adding vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results.