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Three Cheese Baked Ziti

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This cozy baked ziti features ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses layered with ziti pasta and marinara sauce, then baked to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner ideal for cold nights, potlucks, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz dried ziti pasta (penne or rigatoni can substitute)
  • 3 cups marinara sauce (recommend Rao’s or homemade)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk recommended)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, part-skim)
  • 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Optional: 1/2 lb cooked Italian sausage or ground beef
  • Optional: 1 cup sautéed mushrooms or spinach
  • Optional: up to 1/2 cup extra cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tbsp salt per 4 quarts water).
  3. Add ziti pasta and cook until barely al dente, 8-9 minutes. Drain and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, milk, egg, black pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  5. Fold in 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup parmesan into the ricotta mixture.
  6. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tbsp olive oil.
  7. Spread 1 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish.
  8. Layer half the cooked ziti noodles over the sauce.
  9. Spoon half the cheese blend over noodles and gently spread.
  10. Top with 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup parmesan.
  11. Repeat layers with remaining ziti, cheese blend, mozzarella, and parmesan.
  12. Pour remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top.
  13. Cover dish loosely with foil (do not let foil touch cheese).
  14. Bake for 25 minutes.
  15. Remove foil and bake another 15-20 minutes, until top is bubbling and golden brown.
  16. If cheese isn’t browning, broil for 2 minutes, watching closely.
  17. Let ziti rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting.
  18. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

For best results, slightly undercook the pasta before baking. Blend ricotta with milk for a silky texture. Use fresh-grated parmesan for optimal melting and flavor. Cover with foil for the first part of baking to keep moisture in, then uncover for a golden top. Let the ziti rest before serving for cleaner slices. Adapt with gluten-free pasta or dairy-free cheeses as needed. Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, three cheese ziti, pasta bake, comfort food, easy dinner, Italian casserole, family meal, cozy recipe, vegetarian option, freezer-friendly

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/three-cheese-baked-ziti-recipe-easy-cozy-dinner-for-cold-nights/