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Comforting Baked Ziti with Three Cheeses

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A quick and easy baked ziti recipe featuring a delicious blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses, perfect for family dinners and adaptable to various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried ziti pasta (can substitute penne or rigatoni)
  • 4 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of ziti and cook until just al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in 4 cups marinara sauce, add red pepper flakes if using, and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir in fresh basil if desired.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Mix gently until well incorporated.
  6. Transfer drained pasta to a large bowl and pour the warm marinara sauce over it. Toss until evenly coated.
  7. Spread half of the sauced pasta into the prepared baking dish. Dollop and spread half of the cheese mixture on top. Repeat with remaining pasta and cheese mixture. Sprinkle the reserved 1 cup mozzarella evenly over the top.
  8. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; it will finish cooking in the oven. Use fresh cheeses for best flavor and texture. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Cover with foil during baking to prevent drying out and remove foil near the end to brown cheese. Let rest before serving. Variations include adding sautéed vegetables or meat, using gluten-free pasta, or vegan cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, three cheese baked pasta, family dinner, easy baked ziti, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, comfort food, pasta bake

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/comforting-baked-ziti-with-three-cheeses-easy-homemade-recipe-for-family-dinner/