Description
This Three Cheese Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American classic featuring al dente pasta baked in a rich marinara sauce combined with a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Seasoned with garlic and fresh basil, then baked to a golden bubbly perfection, it’s a hearty meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 400 grams (about 14 oz) ziti pasta
Sauce and Cheese Mixture
- 500 grams (about 2 cups) marinara sauce
- 250 grams (about 1 cup) ricotta cheese
- 300 grams (about 3 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 100 grams (about 1 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) to prepare for baking the ziti.
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the ziti pasta for 8-10 minutes until it is al dente. Drain well.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella, half of the grated Parmesan, and the chopped fresh basil, mixing thoroughly.
- Make Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for about one minute until fragrant. Add the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked ziti pasta and the cheese mixture into the skillet with the marinara sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish lightly. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the dish, sprinkle with half of the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese. Add the rest of the pasta mixture on top. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving to set.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce while simmering.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and taste.
- You can substitute ziti with penne or rigatoni if preferred.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
