Description
This Three Cheese Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American classic that combines tender pasta with a rich blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection in a savory marinara sauce. Perfect as a hearty main course, this vegetarian dish is simple to prepare yet full of flavor, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Additional 1/2 cup mozzarella and 2 tablespoons Parmesan for topping
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and cook pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the marinara sauce and add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–7 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Mix pasta and cheeses: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and most of the marinara sauce—reserve about 1/2 cup of sauce for topping. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with cheese and sauce.
- Assemble in baking dish: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the reserved sauce over the top evenly. Sprinkle the additional 1/2 cup mozzarella and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through evenly.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly, indicating that the dish is fully heated and ready.
- Rest and serve: Let the baked ziti sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make it easier to portion. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Add cooked Italian sausage or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to customize your baked ziti for extra flavor and nutrition.
- This dish can be fully assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, making it a great option for meal prepping or entertaining.
