Cheesy Baked Ziti
Cheesy Baked Ziti is a comforting pasta dish that combines al dente ziti with layers of rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Easy to prepare and customizable, this recipe promises to deliver cheesy satisfaction in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti in boiling salted water until al dente; drain.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine cooked ziti with marinara sauce; fold in the cheese mixture.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture in a greased baking dish, top with half of the remaining mozzarella, then add the rest of the pasta and finish with more mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Swap out cheeses for a unique twist—try using provolone or fontina for different flavors.