Baked Ziti Ricotta Mozzarella (Printable Version)

Ziti pasta baked with ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara for a comforting, cheesy Italian-inspired dish.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 pound dry ziti pasta

→ Sauce and Cheese

02 - 2 cups marinara sauce
03 - 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
04 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
05 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Seasoning

06 - Salt, to taste
07 - Ground black pepper, to taste

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente, then drain well.
02 - In a large bowl, gently toss the cooked ziti with marinara sauce and ricotta cheese until evenly coated. Season with salt and black pepper as needed.
03 - Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
04 - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is lightly golden.
05 - Allow the baked ziti to cool for a few minutes before serving for best texture.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Uses a handful of simple pantry ingredients
  • Kid approved and loved by adults too
  • Feeds a crowd or gives great leftovers
  • Easy to make ahead or freeze before baking
  • Melty cheese on top is irresistible
02 -
  • Great source of vegetarian protein thanks to the cheese
  • Crispy edges are the best part for cheese lovers
  • Easy to adapt if you want more vegetables or meat
03 -
  • Undercook pasta slightly so it holds up through baking
  • Mix some sauce in ricotta mixture so it is silky instead of grainy
  • Broil in the last two minutes for extra golden bubbling cheese
  • For big crowds double the recipe and use two pans so leftovers are guaranteed
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