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Comforting Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella

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A quick and easy baked ziti recipe featuring creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella, perfect for a hearty family dinner or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ziti pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1 ½ cups (375 g) whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups (720 ml) marinara sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh basil (optional), a handful chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your 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 according to package instructions until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in 3 cups (720 ml) marinara sauce and stir in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes.
  5. In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups (375 g) ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella (1 cup/100 g), and ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  6. Add the drained ziti to the sauce, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly.
  7. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the sauced pasta evenly. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture across the top and gently spread it out. Repeat with the remaining pasta and ricotta mixture.
  8. Sprinkle the last cup (100 g) of shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
  9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
  10. Let the baked ziti cool for about 5 minutes to set up. Garnish with fresh chopped basil if using, and serve warm.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente is best as pasta continues cooking in the oven. Drain pasta thoroughly to avoid watery sauce. Use whole milk ricotta for creaminess. Mix cheeses gently to avoid grainy texture. Tent with foil if cheese browns too quickly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving for easier scooping and flavor settling.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, ricotta, mozzarella, easy dinner, family meal, comfort food, pasta casserole

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/comforting-baked-ziti-with-ricotta-and-mozzarella-easy-recipe-for-perfect-family-dinner/