Description
A comforting and delicious three cheese baked ziti recipe that combines rich flavors of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan with hearty pasta and savory marinara sauce.
Ingredients
- Ziti pasta: 400 grams (about 14 oz)
- Marinara sauce: 500 grams (about 2 cups)
- Ricotta cheese: 250 grams (about 1 cup)
- Mozzarella cheese: 300 grams, shredded (about 3 cups)
- Parmesan cheese: 100 grams, grated (about 1 cup)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Fresh basil: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Black pepper: to taste
- Salt: to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, half of the grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh basil.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic for about a minute. Add marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes, seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Add cooked ziti pasta and cheese mixture to the skillet, stirring until well combined.
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with half of the remaining mozzarella, add the rest of the pasta mixture, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking the pasta to prevent mushiness.
- Season the marinara sauce well for enhanced flavor.
- Mix the pasta and cheese mixture thoroughly with the sauce.
- Use high-quality cheese for the best taste.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: baked ziti, three cheese, pasta, Italian recipe, comfort food