Description
Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti is a comforting classic that combines layers of tender ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a melty blend of cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish promises to fill your home with irresistible aromas and create memorable moments around the table. With minimal preparation and endless variations, it’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or cozy weekends alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil (optional for sautéing vegetables)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- (Optional) In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions and bell peppers until soft.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, half of the mozzarella, garlic powder, and basil.
- Layer marinara sauce in a baking dish, followed by half of the cooked ziti, half of the cheese mixture, and more marinara. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg