Easy and Tasty Baked Ziti
Dive into the comforting flavors of Italy with this Easy and Tasty Baked Ziti! Perfectly al dente ziti pasta is layered with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, rich marinara sauce, and a trio of melty cheeses—mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta—for a dish that's irresistibly cheesy and satisfying. This classic baked casserole comes together in just 20 minutes of prep time, making it an effortless yet impressive option for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Enhanced with fragrant Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a garnish of fresh basil, this ziti recipe delivers bold, comforting flavors in every bite. Whether you're serving a crowd or planning leftovers, this easy baked ziti is sure to be a hit at the table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 450 grams ziti pasta
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 1.5 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with the olive oil and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
In the greased baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom.
Add half of the cooked ziti pasta on top of the sauce, spreading it out evenly.
Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta, then spread gently using the back of a spoon.
Pour 1.5 cups of marinara sauce over the ricotta layer, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella over the sauce.
Repeat the layers: add the remaining ziti, followed by the remaining ricotta mixture and 1.5 cups of marinara sauce. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and sprinkle some grated Parmesan over the top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil, if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
445 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.4 g | 31% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.8 g | 64% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 90 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 967 mg | 42% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.2 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.3 g | ||
| Protein | 25.9 g | 52% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 499 mg | 38% | |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 147 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
