Cheesy Baked Ziti Pasta (Printable)

Baked ziti loaded with cheeses and savory marinara makes a satisfying family meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 pound ziti pasta

→ Dairy

02 - 2 cups ricotta cheese
03 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
04 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Sauce

05 - 3 cups marinara sauce

→ Seasoning

06 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
07 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook ziti until al dente, about 10 minutes, then drain.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
03 - Spread one cup of marinara sauce at the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Add half the cooked ziti, spoon half the cheese mixture on top, then layer half of the remaining sauce. Repeat with remaining pasta, cheese mixture, and sauce.
04 - Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the surface.
05 - Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
06 - Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses familiar pantry ingredients that are easy to find
  • Feeds a crowd with minimal prep time and clean up
  • Kid friendly and always a potluck favorite for gatherings
  • Richly sauced and cheesy from edge to center for perfect texture
02 -
  • High in protein and calcium thanks to all the cheese and milk
  • Tastes even better reheated the next day
  • Ideal for freezing and batch cooking ahead of busy weeks
03 -
  • Use a large deep dish so the layers build up thick and generous
  • Do not overcook the pasta to prevent mushiness in the oven
  • Allow at least ten minutes rest after baking for tidy slices
  • Always grate cheese fresh yourself for truly gooey results and fewer preservatives
  • A sprinkle of finishing olive oil or flaky sea salt just before serving brings everything together
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