Easy recipe for baked ziti with marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese
When it comes to iconic comfort food, few dishes can rival the hearty bliss of easy baked ziti. Combining the rich heritage of Italian cuisine with the simplicity of a weeknight meal, baked ziti with marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese is a beloved staple. This dish layers creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and zesty marinara with perfectly cooked ziti pasta, delivering a delightful, bubbling masterpiece straight from the oven.
List of Ingredients
For this delicious baked ziti, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound dry ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (optional for a meat version)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (24-ounce) jars marinara sauce
- 1 pint ricotta cheese
- 6 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions Detailing the Preparation
Follow these steps to create a baked ziti that will impress everyone:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. If using Italian sausage, cook until browned. Remove from pan and set aside. In the same pan, add chopped onions and cook until translucent.
- Add minced garlic to the pan with the onions, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce, cooked sausage (if using), and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan, and dried oregano. Mix well.
- Begin assembling the dish: spread 1/3 of the marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce. Spoon the ricotta mixture over the ziti, spreading it out evenly. Pour another 1/3 of the marinara sauce over the ricotta layer.
- Top with the remaining ziti and pour the last of the marinara sauce over the pasta. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Presentation and Serving Tips
Allow the baked ziti to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an added touch of color and flavor. Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Information Nutritionnelles
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
Preparation and Cooking Time
Total time: approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour
Comments and Interactions
Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below or ask any questions you may have. Don’t forget to upload photos of your delicious baked ziti!
Looking for more effortless meal ideas? Check out 25 Quick & Healthy Dinner Recipes or get cozy with 25 Cozy Fall Dinner Ideas.
Conclusion: A Delicious Baked Ziti Awaits You
There’s something undeniably satisfying about a plate of baked ziti. The combination of tender ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella creates a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. This easy baked ziti recipe not only delights the palate but also makes the perfect meal for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in.
By layering each ingredient thoughtfully, from the savory marinara sauce to the trio of delightful cheeses, each bite of this baked ziti promises to be an explosion of flavors and textures. The ricotta cheese adds a smooth and creamy touch, while the mozzarella creates that irresistible stretchiness, and a sprinkle of Parmesan brings in a subtle nuttiness that ties everything together. This meatless version even appeals to vegetarians without sacrificing the robust taste and satisfying nature of the dish.
We can’t emphasize enough how straightforward this recipe is. With just a handful of ingredients – ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and some essential herbs and spices – you can create a masterpiece in your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, this recipe’s simplicity ensures that it can easily become one of your go-to meals.
So why not give it a try? Head to your kitchen and bring this delicious baked ziti to life. We encourage you to experiment with it, perhaps by adding your favorite vegetables or a dash of chili flakes for an extra kick. Once you’ve perfected your version of this dish, don’t forget to share your results and any unique twists with us and your friends. Cooking is all about community and sharing, and nothing beats the joy of enjoying a delicious meal you’ve prepared yourself. Happy cooking!
SEND THIS RECIPE TO YOUR EMAIL!
Enter your email and I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get new recipes every week!
Easy recipe for baked ziti with marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 4160Kcal
Cuisine: Méditerranéenne
Ingredients
1 pound ziti pasta,
2 tablespoons olive oil,
1 pound Italian sausage,
1 onion,
3 cloves garlic,
2 (24-ounce) jars marinara sauce,
1 pint ricotta cheese,
6 cups mozzarella cheese,
1 cup Parmesan cheese,
1 large egg,
2 tablespoons dried oregano,
Salt,
Pepper
Instruction :
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. If using Italian sausage, cook until browned. Remove from pan and set aside. In the same pan, add chopped onions and cook until translucent. Add minced garlic to the pan with the onions, cooking for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce, cooked sausage (if using), and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan, and dried oregano. Mix well. Begin assembling the dish: spread 1/3 of the marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce. Spoon the ricotta mixture over the ziti, spreading it out evenly. Pour another 1/3 of the marinara sauce over the ricotta layer. Top with the remaining ziti and pour the last of the marinara sauce over the pasta. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–
