Easy Baked Ziti
A creamy and flavorful classic Italian-American bake made with ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz ziti pasta Tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce well.
- 2 cups marinara sauce Store-bought or homemade.
For the Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese Can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Divided into two parts.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg Helps bind the ingredients together.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil Optional for topping.
- Salt and pepper To taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
Baking
- Spread half of the marinara sauce over the bottom of a baking dish.
- Pour in the pasta and cheese mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Top with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve with garlic bread and a fresh garden salad. For extra nutrition and flavor, consider adding sautéed veggies or swapping proteins.