Description
Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that brings warmth to any table. With layers of ziti, marinara, and creamy ricotta, it’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 4 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches) by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti followed by half of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella on top.
- Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used up.
- Spread the remaining marinara sauce over the top layer and sprinkle generously with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For healthier options, consider using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. Let Baked Ziti rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.