Description

Savor the warmth of baked ziti, where layers of tender pasta and creamy cheeses meld together in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz ziti pasta
4 cups marinara sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with nonstick spray.
Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Cook ziti until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; stir well and simmer for five minutes.
In a bowl, combine half of the cooked pasta with ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the marinara sauce. Mix until well-coated.
Spread half of the pasta mixture in the greased baking dish. Pour half of the remaining marinara sauce over it. Add another layer with the rest of the pasta mixture, followed by more marinara sauce on top.
Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; then remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with extra marinara if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (220g)
Calories: 360
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 590mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Customize your baked ziti by adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition. For a crispy top, broil for two minutes at the end of baking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or frozen for longer storage.