Description
This Three Cheese Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American classic featuring perfectly cooked pasta smothered in a savory garlic marinara sauce and a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to bubbly, golden perfection, this hearty vegetarian main course is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, delivering rich flavors with a simple preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Sauce
- 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti or penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta with sauce and cheeses: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the prepared marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella (1/2 cup), and half of the grated Parmesan (1/4 cup). Mix gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and cheeses.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture into the greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella (1/2 cup) and Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup) over the top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve warm for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a heartier meal, add cooked Italian sausage or browned ground beef to the sauce.
- Mix in sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated before serving.
