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Indulging in a hearty pasta dish often brings comfort and satisfaction, and Baked Ziti with Ricotta is the perfect embodiment of this culinary delight. This classic Italian-American dish combines al dente pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture to create a mouthwatering meal that is sure to please both family and friends. In this article, we will explore the ingredients, preparation techniques, and serving suggestions for this Cheesy Delight, ensuring you can recreate this dish with confidence in your own kitchen.

Simple Baked Ziti with Ricotta Cheese

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Baked Ziti with Ricotta! This classic Italian-American dish features al dente pasta layered with rich marinara sauce and a creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Follow our step-by-step guide to create this cheesy delight that's perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Enjoy each mouthwatering bite and learn tips for the perfect bake, delicious pairings, and even dietary variations to suit everyone’s tastes!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz ziti or penne pasta

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti or penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

      Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.

        Combine with Marinara: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated.

          Layer the Ziti: In a 9x13 inch baking dish, start by adding half of the pasta mixture. Spread half of the ricotta mixture on top, then add a layer of marinara sauce (if you want extra sauce, save a bit). Repeat with the remaining pasta and ricotta mixtures, finishing with a layer of marinara sauce on top.

            Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of the ziti.

              Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

                Cool and Serve: Allow the baked ziti to cool for about 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and serve hot.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 50 min | 6 servings