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Baked Ziti

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Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American casserole featuring tender pasta baked with rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, half of the mozzarella, and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture and gently toss until evenly coated.
  5. Transfer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the remaining mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese.
  6. Layer the rest of the pasta mixture on top, then finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  7. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
  8. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.

Notes

For a meaty variation, add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the sauce mixture before assembling. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Find it online: https://justflowe.com/baked-ziti-delicious-easy-main-dish/