Million Dollar Baked Ziti
This easy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying pasta bake brings families together with its warm aroma and rich flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Reserve some for topping
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese For topping
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Mixing Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, the egg, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and marinara sauce, ensuring every piece is well-coated.
Layering and Baking
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, start by layering half of the pasta and sauce mixture.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture on top, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, mix different cheeses such as provolone or feta. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.