Description
This classic baked ziti is loaded with three kinds of cheese—ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan—blended with marinara and seasoned to perfection. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing pasta bake that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
-
1 pound ziti pasta
-
2 cups marinara sauce
-
1 cup ricotta cheese
-
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
-
1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
-
Salt and pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
-
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
-
Cook the ziti according to package directions until al dente.
-
Drain and set aside.
3. Mix the Filling
-
In a large bowl, combine:
-
Cooked ziti
-
Marinara sauce
-
Ricotta cheese
-
Half of the shredded mozzarella
-
Half of the grated parmesan
-
Garlic powder
-
Italian seasoning
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
-
Mix until everything is evenly coated.
4. Assemble the Dish
-
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a drizzle of olive oil.
-
Pour in the pasta mixture and spread it evenly.
-
Top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
-
Drizzle olive oil over the top for a crispy, golden finish.
5. Bake
-
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
6. Cool and Serve
-
Let the baked ziti cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
-
Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
-
Always cook pasta al dente to prevent overcooking in the oven.
-
For a crispier top, broil the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
-
This recipe doubles well if you’re feeding a larger crowd or want leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American