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Creamy Baked Ziti with Mozzarella and Ricotta Cheese

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A comforting and easy baked ziti recipe featuring creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella cheeses, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ziti pasta, cooked al dente
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 ½ cups (375 g) whole milk ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups (720 ml) marinara sauce
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh basil or Italian seasoning (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 pound (450 g) of ziti pasta until just al dente, about 9-10 minutes. Drain well and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook another minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in 3 cups (720 ml) marinara sauce, then add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or fresh chopped basil, plus a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large bowl, mix 1 ½ cups (375 g) ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella (1 cup/100 g) and ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan. Gently fold in the cooked ziti and about 2 cups (480 ml) of the warm marinara sauce until well coated.
  6. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon butter. Spread half the pasta mixture evenly in the dish. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the top, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese (1 cup/100 g) evenly across the surface.
  7. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If the cheese browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; al dente is best as it will continue cooking in the oven. Use fresh shredded mozzarella for better melt and stretchiness. Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving. For a crispier top, broil for the last 2 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning. Variations include adding vegetables for a vegetarian twist or meat for a heartier dish. Gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, creamy baked pasta, mozzarella, ricotta, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy pasta, baked pasta casserole

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/creamy-baked-ziti-with-mozzarella-and-ricotta-cheese-easy-recipe-for-perfect-comfort-meal/