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A steaming dish of baked ziti with melted cheese and rich tomato sauce.

Baked Ziti

This recipe provides a quick and delicious way to prepare baked ziti, perfect for a weeknight meal. It combines pasta, marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses for a comforting dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 ounces ziti pasta
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowls
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain it well.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper, mixing until well combined.
Assembly
  1. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Add half of the cooked ziti over the sauce, then top with half of the ricotta mixture, and sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella.
  3. Repeat the layers: remaining ziti, remaining ricotta mixture, another layer of marinara sauce, and cover with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Baking
  1. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

For an extra touch of flavor, you can add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the marinara sauce before layering. Adjust seasoning to your preference.