Description

Irresistible Baked Ziti is a comforting dish that layers al dente ziti pasta with rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this recipe delivers satisfying flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Easy to make and versatile, it’s a favorite among both kids and adults. Enjoy the heartwarming aroma as it bakes, then serve with fresh basil for an extra touch of flavor!

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz ziti pasta
3 cups marinara sauce
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish with nonstick spray.
Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute), then add marinara sauce and simmer for five minutes.
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and chopped basil until combined.
Layer half of the cooked ziti in the baking dish, followed by half of the marinara sauce and half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat layers.
Top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 380
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. Feel free to substitute different cheeses such as provolone or gouda. This dish can be made ahead; refrigerate before baking and adjust cooking time as needed.