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Baked Ziti with Ricotta Mozzarella

Indulgent Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Mozzarella Delight

Baked Ziti with Ricotta & Mozzarella is a warm embrace of comfort, perfect for gatherings and busy nights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 lb ziti pasta Cook slightly less than directed for perfect texture.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
  • 1 medium onion, diced Sauté until translucent.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Infuses the sauce with aromatic goodness.
  • 32 oz marinara sauce Use store-bought or homemade.
For the Cheese Mixture
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese Adds a beautiful texture to the layers.
  • 1 large egg Binds the ricotta mixture.
  • 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese Enhances flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning Enhances overall flavor profile.
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt Balances the flavors.
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper Adds hint of warmth.
For the Topping
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Creates the gooey topping.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet or Dutch oven
  • 9x13-inch baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and gather your ingredients. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic and pour in marinara sauce, simmer for 5-10 minutes.
  4. In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, ½ cup Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  5. In the pot used for pasta, combine ziti with two-thirds of the marinara sauce. Layer half into the baking dish, then spoon the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta.
  6. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the first layer of ziti, then add the rest of the ziti mixture. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
  7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Letting your baked ziti rest helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve.

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