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Baked Ziti

A comforting Italian-American baked pasta dish with ziti, marinara sauce, ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 12 oz ziti or penne pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp dried Italian herbs
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Colander for draining
  • Large mixing bowl
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Aluminum foil
  • Oven mitts

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot, then stir in the marinara sauce until well coated.
  5. Add the cheese mixture to the pasta and stir gently to combine.
  6. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and transfer the pasta mixture, spreading evenly.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top of the pasta.
  8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
  9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  10. Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.