Description
A simple, beginner-friendly baked ziti recipe that requires only five ingredients and minimal effort. This comforting dish features a creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese layer with a rich marinara sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta (or penne/rigatoni)
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions but remove 1 minute early for al dente texture. Drain and set aside (do not rinse).
- In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, grated parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Add the boiled pasta to the dish and pour the remaining sauce over it. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not overcook the pasta before baking as it will continue to cook in the oven. Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to allow the cheese to set for cleaner slices. If using oven-ready noodles, be aware they may turn out mushy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 20
Keywords: baked ziti, easy dinner, beginner recipe, comfort food, vegetarian pasta, 5-ingredient recipe, fall dinner, cheesy pasta