Description
A comforting baked ziti recipe featuring layers of ziti, ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara sauce, perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (454 g) ziti or penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, the egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Stir the warm pasta into the ricotta mixture and fold in the marinara sauce.
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread remaining marinara sauce over the layer.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture, then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
For extra protein, add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage. Sauté vegetables before adding to prevent excess moisture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg