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Homemade Cheesy Oven Baked Ziti

A comforting dish featuring layers of ziti pasta, ricotta, marinara, and gooey mozzarella cheese, baked to perfection for a family-friendly meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce
  • 1 pound ziti pasta Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  • 3 cups marinara sauce Can use store-bought or homemade.
Cheese Mixture
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Reserve 1 cup for topping.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Reserve ½ cup for topping.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • optional Fresh basil For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until creamy.
Assembly
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the marinara sauce, ensuring every piece is coated.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. In a large baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture, followed by the cheese mixture, and then the remaining pasta on top.
  4. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to create a cheesy crust.
Baking
  1. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
  3. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

For added nutrition, feel free to mix in vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or meatballs for a protein boost. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of marinara or sprinkle of cheese to keep it moist.