Three-Cheese Baked Ziti Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a deep blue ceramic baking dish with olive oil and set aside.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup grated parmesan. Season with dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add the cooked ziti to the bowl with the cheese mixture and gently toss until the pasta is well-coated.
6. Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Layer half of the ziti mixture evenly over the sauce.
7. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the ziti and spread evenly. Top with the remaining ziti mixture.
8. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly on top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Helpful Tips

• Make it ahead: Assemble the ziti the day before and refrigerate. Simply bake before serving to save time.
• Vegetable variety: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for an extra nutritional boost.
• Meaty addition: Stir in cooked ground beef, sausage, or turkey for a heartier version.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions as needed.

Pairings

Three-Cheese Baked Ziti pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, and a glass of robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon. For a family-friendly beverage, try a sparkling water infused with lemon slices.