Description
This Three Cheese Baked Ziti is the ultimate comforting Italian-American pasta bake, combining tender al dente ziti with a rich blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all baked to bubbly perfection with a flavorful marinara sauce. It’s a hearty, cheesy delight perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound ziti pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
Garnish (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until just al dente (firm to the bite but cooked through). Drain the pasta well to remove excess water.
- Make the Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to develop flavors.
- Combine Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and the beaten egg. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Mix Pasta with Sauce and Cheese: Add the drained ziti and the simmered marinara sauce into the cheese mixture bowl. Stir carefully to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and cheese blend.
- Assemble the Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly for uniform baking. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. The cheese should melt thoroughly, bubble, and develop a lightly golden edge.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- For a heartier meal, add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the marinara sauce before combining with pasta.
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated; simply bake when ready to serve.
