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Cheesy Baked Ziti

Cheesy Baked Ziti

This Cheesy Baked Ziti recipe is a comforting Italian-American dish that delights with layers of pasta, marinara sauce, and melted cheeses.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Cheeses
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Sauce and Seasoning
  • 4 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • baking dish
  • Pot

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté chopped onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  3. Add marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and let simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Mix ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and a bit of parmesan in a bowl.
  5. In a baking dish, layer pasta, sauce, and cheese mixture. Repeat layers and top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
  6. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
  7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 21gFat: 24g

Notes

Feel free to swap ziti for penne or gluten-free pasta, and consider adding cooked sausage or vegetables for extra flavor.

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