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Baked Ziti with Marinara Sauce and Mozzarella

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  • Author: Sophie Hart
  • Total Time: 50
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Baked Ziti with Marinara Sauce and Mozzarella is a comforting and cheesy pasta bake that’s perfect for any occasion. Tender ziti pasta is layered with marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, then baked to perfection. This crowd-pleasing dish is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep

Ingredients

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Ingredients

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz ziti pasta
  • Water and salt (for boiling)

For the Sauce:

  • 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Cheese Mixture:

  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Assembly:

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Marinara Sauce:
    • Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
  3. Make the Cheese Mixture:
    • In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth.
  4. Assemble the Ziti:
    • In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom.
    • Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture. Spread evenly.
    • Layer with 1 cup of marinara sauce and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
    • Repeat with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
  5. Bake the Ziti:
    • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
    • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Serve and Garnish:
    • Let the baked ziti cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Notes

 

  • Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Use gluten-free pasta and marinara sauce for a gluten-free version.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 35
  • Category: Main Course

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Find it online: https://vintarx.com/baked-ziti-with-marinara-sauce-and-mozzarella/