Description
Cheesy Ziti Bake is a comforting pasta dish with ziti, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti pasta with marinara sauce. Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Dollop ricotta mixture over the pasta and spread evenly. Sprinkle half of the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Top with the remaining pasta mixture and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Optionally, broil for 5 minutes for a crispy top.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, try using arrabbiata sauce instead of marinara.
- Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lower-fat version.
- Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Cheesy Ziti Bake, baked pasta dish, ziti casserole, cheesy pasta, family dinner recipe