Description
Cheesy Baked Ziti with Ricotta is a hearty and comforting Italian classic pasta dish featuring tender ziti pasta baked with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, savory Parmesan, and rich marinara sauce. This family-friendly and customizable baked pasta is easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, delivering a warm and cheesy dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound ziti pasta
Cheeses
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese (whole milk preferred)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Sauce & Flavorings
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain well, reserving a small cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce if needed. Set pasta aside.
- Make the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the marinara sauce and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh chopped basil to develop deep, vibrant flavors.
- Combine the Cheeses and Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooked ziti with ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir carefully to evenly coat pasta with the creamy cheese mixture without breaking the pasta.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Add half of the pasta and cheese mixture, then layer with more sauce. Top with the remaining pasta mixture and spread evenly. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top for a golden, bubbly crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the assembled dish uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. For a crispier top, uncover for the last 10 minutes of baking or broil for 1-2 minutes watching carefully. Let rest a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente texture holds up best when baked.
- Use whole-milk ricotta for a richer, creamier texture.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley added at the end brighten the dish.
- Cover the dish with foil during the initial baking to prevent cheese burning, uncover for the last 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg